Taxonomic studies and breaking seed dormancy of <Hibiscus lobatus> (Murray) Kuntze, 1898 (Magnoliopsida: Malvales: Malvaceae) — a native plant of the central Western Ghats

Hibiscus lobatus (Murray) Kuntze is a medicinal plant of the Malvaceae family, very sparsely and seasonally distributed, particularly in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. This species, known for its ethnopharmacological uses, especially in wound healing, faces a declining population due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and poor seed germination. Seed dormancy has been identified as a major factor limiting its natural regeneration. In this study, the distribution, habitat, and taxonomic diagnostic features of Hibiscus lobatus were investigated across different floristic regions of the central Western Ghats. Seed viability and dormancy-breaking treatments were assessed both in the field and in vitro. Tetrazolium testing confirmed seed viability, but field germination rates were low (4–6%), indicating strong dormancy. Among the treatments tested, sulfuric acid scarification combined with GA₃ application proved most effective, substantially enhancing germination and reducing germination time. These findings establish an optimised protocol for overcoming seed dormancy in Hibiscus lobatus, which can be applied to conserve and propagate this important medicinal species, addressing its declining population.