Sea hibiscus (Maho fran)
Hibiscus tiliaceus · Malvaceae
Sea hibiscus
Maho fran
Mahot
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Talipariti tiliaceumPariti tiliaceumMahaut francCoton mahautgrand mahautmahot blancCoton marron
Malvaceae
Traditionally used
A coastal tree with heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers that redden by evening. The mucilaginous flower and inner bark are taken for coughs and sore throats and laid on as an emollient poultice; the bark yields a strong cordage fibre.
In three languages
Kreyòl — soulaje tous ak mal gòj (dekoksyon ekòs oswa flè, emolyan); soulaje bwonchit ak konjesyon nan pwatrin; fè poulti emolyan pou bouton, plak ak abse; bese lafyèv
Français — Arbre côtier aux feuilles en cœur et aux fleurs jaunes qui rougissent le soir. La fleur mucilagineuse et l'écorce interne se prennent contre toux et maux de gorge et s'appliquent en cataplasme émollient ; l'écorce donne une fibre à corde solide.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; Caribbean ethnobotany
Kept alongside