Edible leaves need identifying

I bought these 2 this afternoon because I felt they had a good a good tasting leaf, seller described these in slang, one was salad bar and the other ???

Id like to learn more about them but cannot unless I can identify, can someone here help?

Also Id like to hear of others that people have tried and find tolerable/good right off the plant. Thank you in advance

i don’t know for sure, but my guess for both is in hibiscus family, especially if you’re pretty sure neither is chaya of any sort.

Hopefully I can contact seller again and get more information. The guy had so many different varieties of plants that I couldnt keep up with as we walked and he talked. Thanks

The one on the right looks like roselle hibiscus. I haven`t eaten a leaf in a long time but it might be a bit vinegary? The blossoms definitely are.
The one on the left, I`m intrigued. The leaf reminds me of Hibiscus mutabilis (cotton rose) a bit.

Tereza Okava wrote:The one on the right looks like roselle hibiscus. I haven`t eaten a leaf in a long time but it might be a bit vinegary? The blossoms definitely are.
The one on the left, I`m intrigued. The leaf reminds me of Hibiscus mutabilis (cotton rose) a bit.

I will tell you when/if I find out. Both have a good taste, like eating lettuce almost, trust me when I say you wouldnt waste your time with either plant, Im not interested in growing something that I have to spend alot of time getting used too, these were acceptable the first time I put them in my mouth.

The guy that sold them too me was prob high on some sort of hallucinogenic, Im not sure he will entertain me any longer, his dog attacked me and I made it VERY clear he was in the wrong for allowing his dog to roam free since he knew I had pulled up to his nursery invited. The only reason I continued with his nursery tour was because I felt he had some very unique items and he did.

Im gonna contact him today, I hope to go back there this afternoon and get more plants.

greg mosser wrote:i don’t know for sure, but my guess for both is in hibiscus family, especially if you’re pretty sure neither is chaya of any sort.

Jason, I'm fairly sure these are both edible leaf hibiscus, a.k.a. south sea salad tree, a.k.a. bele tree, Abelmoschus manihot, which have highly variable leaves from one selection to another.  Baker Creek sold them last year, though I had bad luck with shipping and mine arrived half dead, soon to be all dead...weather was just too warm for when they shipped.  I'll try them again some day.

Here are some pictures of a few varieties common in the trade which might be yours:


Chief Kubo's Prize


Auntie Lili's

Jason, your post inspired me to buy some seeds.  I am the world's worst lettuce grower....always bitter.  So I just bought some from these guys.  I've never tried growing them from seeds before so I'm looking forward to playing.  Bonus....should be much prettier in the garden than lettuce.  I like my gardens funky!

Greg Martin wrote:

greg mosser wrote:i don’t know for sure, but my guess for both is in hibiscus family, especially if you’re pretty sure neither is chaya of any sort.

Jason, I'm fairly sure these are both edible leaf hibiscus, a.k.a. south sea salad tree, a.k.a. bele tree, Abelmoschus manihot, which have highly variable leaves from one selection to another.  Baker Creek sold them last year, though I had bad luck with shipping and mine arrived half dead, soon to be all dead...weather was just too warm for when they shipped.  I'll try them again some day.

Here are some pictures of a few varieties common in the trade which might be yours:


Chief Kubo's Prize


Auntie Lili's

You are correct. Im leaving in an hour for the weekend. No internet but I'll have more to say in a few days. Thanks

Good luck, Jason, and keep us posted!!
your story made me think of similar lengths I've gone to get interesting plants. Most of the time it's with "good eccentric" people, but sometimes I've wondered what the heck I was doing....

I just ran across this video from Baker Creek.  Fun seeing how large they can get.