Hibiscus radiatus. Malvaceae. The are more than 200 species of hibiscus. This yellow flowered species from SE Asia is a prickly shrub to 36" with ovate basal leaves and lobed stem leaves. The solitary axillary flowers are about 3" across with a dark purple center. It is cultivated as an edible and medicinal herb. A very similar species is H. cannabinus with glandular leaves. Its tender young foliage is cooked like spinach. Hibiscus radiatus is resistant to deer owing to tiny thorns on the undersides of the leaves and along the stems. Kristen Yanker-Hansen, Danville