Hibiscus mutabilis L.

Waru landak (Hibiscus mutabilis) is an upright shrub 2-5 meters tall of the Malvaceae family, originating from China and now widely cultivated across Southeast Asia. Its unique flower can change color from white to pink within a day, making it an attractive ornamental and hedge plant. Waru landak is also traditionally believed to help purify blood and relieve cough.

Grows well in fertile, humus-rich soil with adequate moisture and full sunlight. Prefers warm but moist weather during winter. Grows wild in forests at elevations of 1-900 m above sea level.

• Stem branching, finely grayish hairy.
• Leaves orbicular to ovate (egg-shaped), long-stalked, palmate leaf blade with 3-5 lobes, tapering tip, indented base, dull green, alternating position, coated with fine hairs.
• Flowers large, 10-12 cm, emerging from leaves clustered at the stalk tip. White or gray in the morning, turning red toward wilting in the evening.
• Fruit round and lobed, covered with coarse hairs.
• Seeds egg-shaped, hairy.

• Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (stem cuttings, offshoot separation).
• Plant seeds in a polybag, once about 10 cm tall, the seedling is transplanted to a permanent location.

Flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins, quercetin, quercemeritrin, quercetin-3-xyloside, quercetin-3-sambubioside, isoquercetin, meratrin, hybridin, kaempferol, hyperin, guaijaverin, cyanidin-3-xylosylglucose, cyanidin-3-monoglucoside, hibiscones, hibiscoquinones, β-sitosterol, β-carotene.

Has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity. Purifies blood, removes swelling, stops bleeding, reduces fever, treats cough and lung complaints.

• Prepare fresh leaves, wash thoroughly with running water.
• Dry the leaves under a shelter until the moisture content is below 10%.
• Once dry, grind the leaves into powder.
• Store in a clean, airtight container.

Waru landak (Java), Bunga waktu besar (Malay), Bunga balik cahaya, Saya ngali-ngali (Ternate), Si buyung, Bunga pagi sore.