Abelmoschus manihot, commonly known as Sunset Huskmallow, is a perennial herb that is often grown as a deciduous shrub in its native regions of the Himalayas, Southeast Asia and South Asia extending to Australasia. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, typically in open woodlands and forest clearings where it can receive ample sunlight. Under optimal conditions, it can exceed three meters in height. The plant is not only ornamental but also highly valued for its nutritional content; its leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and contain 12% protein by dry weight. The Sunset Huskmallow is known for its medicinal properties as well.

Sunset Huskmallow is celebrated for its large, showy flowers that bloom in summer and fall, displaying a mix of yellow, purple, and red hues. These flowers add a vibrant splash of color to garden borders and are also suitable for intercropping in tropical gardens. The plant is easy to propagate from cuttings, making it a convenient choice for gardeners. It requires full sun exposure and medium water, thriving in soils with medium drainage. While it is relatively disease-resistant, gardeners should be aware of potential issues with pests such as aphids and spider mites. Abelmoschus manihot is not known for being invasive but should be monitored to ensure it does not outcompete other plants in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0