Phenological Studies of Two Varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn in Ile-Ife, South West, Nigeria

The phenological study of the flowering, fruiting, foliage and girth changes in two varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus L. with the aim of relating these stages to their different morphological characters. Seeds of the varieties identified as variety A and variety B were planted in different petridishes, they were later thinned downed to five stands and finally planted in medium sized buckets. The time, duration and frequency of leafing, flowering, fruiting, were tracked weekly from the germination period until maturity. The two varieties are different in phenology and can be cultivated for different purposes; the different morphological characters might be under endogenous control. Leaf production is more rapid in Variety B than in variety A hence variety B is recommended for cultivation where numerous, broad and matured leaves are needed. The cultivation of variety B that flowers almost every day of the week is recommended for farmers who wish to make use of the flower and/or fruit production of the plant. Variety A is encouraged for people who need the purple dye for beautifying faces. Keywords: Phenology, Hibiscus, flowering, fruiting, foliage, girth