Herb's Introduction Hibiscus lobatus, also known as Lobed Leaf Mallow, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to tropical regions, it's known for its erect stems, which can grow up to 70 cm tall, and its dimorphic leaves, which change shape depending on their position on the stem. The plant is characterized by its small, yellow flowers and its use in traditional medicine.
Name in Different Countries and Terminology
Hibiscus lobatus has various names across different regions, reflecting its presence in diverse cultures. The scientific name Hibiscus lobatus (Murray) Kuntze is used globally, with Murray referring to the botanist who first described it and Kuntze to the one who later reclassified it. Other scientific synonyms include Hibiscus albus, Solandra lobata, and Laguna lobata, which highlight its historical classification.
Common names for the plant include:
English: Lobed Leaf Mallow
Chinese: 草木槿 (Cǎo mù jǐn)
French: Ketmie lobée
Marathi: Lahan Jaswand
Telugu: అటకనార (Atakanara)
Availability
Hibiscus lobatus is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open forests, and disturbed areas. The plant is wild-growing and not extensively cultivated, making its availability dependent on its native range. It flowers from October to December, which is the best time for harvesting.
External Look
The plant is an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in a single year. It has a slender, erect stem that can reach up to 70 cm in height. The stem and branches are covered in fine, simple hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture.
Leaves: The leaves are a key identifying feature. They are dimorphic, meaning they have two distinct shapes. Leaves on the lower part of the stem are oval to circular, while those in the middle are deeply three-lobed, and the upper leaves are nearly divided into three separate leaflets. The leaf margins are toothed, and the surfaces are covered in soft hairs.
Flowers: The flowers are small, yellow, and solitary or arranged in sparse racemes (clusters). They have five petals and a prominent central column of fused stamens. An important feature is the absence of an epicalyx (a whorl of small leaf-like structures below the calyx).
Fruit: The fruit is a small, broad, ovoid capsule that contains five separate compartments (mericarps). Each mericarp is covered in fine hairs along its ventral seam and contains seeds with scale-like hairs.
Healing Properties and Advantages
Hibiscus lobatus is recognized in traditional medicine for its various healing properties. The plant's medicinal value is primarily attributed to its roots and leaves.
Dysentery and Stomachache: The roots are particularly valued. When ground and mixed with turmeric, the resulting juice is used to treat dysentery and stomachache. The mixture helps soothe the digestive tract and combat gastrointestinal issues.
Tonic in Debility and Spermatorrhea: The root juice is also consumed as a tonic to address general weakness (debility) and spermatorrhea (involuntary seminal discharge). Its restorative properties are believed to help strengthen the body and improve overall vitality.
Veterinary Medicine: In traditional veterinary practices, a paste made from the leaves is administered to cattle. This paste is used to treat anorexia (loss of appetite) caused by throat swelling, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties.
The key advantage of using Hibiscus lobatus is its accessibility in its native regions as a wild plant and its long history of traditional use, which attests to its efficacy in treating specific ailments.
Uses and Using Way
The primary use of Hibiscus lobatus is in traditional medicine.
Human Use:
For Dysentery and Stomachache: The roots of the plant are harvested, cleaned, and ground, often with fresh turmeric. The juice is then extracted and given to the patient.
For Debility and Spermatorrhea: The same preparation of ground roots and juice is used as a restorative tonic. The dosage and frequency would depend on traditional knowledge and the severity of the condition.
Veterinary Use:
For Anorexia in Cattle: The leaves are collected and ground into a paste. This paste is then administered to the animal, typically by placing it in the animal's mouth, to treat throat swelling and restore appetite.
Conclusion
Hibiscus lobatus, or Lobed Leaf Mallow, is a fascinating and medicinally significant annual herb. Despite its unassuming appearance, its roots and leaves have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine to treat conditions ranging from dysentery to general debility. Its healing properties, particularly its use as a tonic and a remedy for gastrointestinal issues, highlight its importance in traditional phytotherapy. While modern scientific research is limited, the continued use of this plant in various cultures speaks to its potential therapeutic value. Further investigation into its chemical composition and pharmacological effects could validate its traditional uses and potentially lead to the development of new plant-based medicines
