ملف:Melochia corchorifolia by kadavoor.jpg

English: Melochia corchorifolia, Chocolate weed, is a weedy tropical plant that is typically seen in the wastelands. It has been most frequently observed to grow in open areas.

Melochia corchorifolia has ovate leaves; the petioles are generally 5 cm long with linear stipules of 6 mm long. The veins extend to be from 7 cm long to 5 cm long. This plant is an annual or perennial type of herb. It usually develops to be up to 1.3–2.0 m tall; stem with line of stellate hairs. It’s simple, ovate leaves are normally arranged spirally with the margins very intensely serrated. The blade of the leaves range from narrow to broad to the tip, measures up to 7.5 cm × 5.5 cm.

The inflorescence of Melochia corchorifolia comprises crowded cymes with linear bracts. This plant species has flowers of 5 green sepals. The flower of Melochia corchorifolia is purple, with 5 petals, 5–7 mm long. Flowers are bisexual, regular with calyx campanulate of 3 mm long. It is also short-teethed and consists of petals of 8 mm long, white with yellow base inside. The stamens are fused close to the top of the filaments. This purple flower has superior ovary with 5 styles joint at the base. The flowering occurs from July to October.

The fruit contains a 5-valved capsule which measures up to 5 mm in diameter. It holds very few seed, approximately 1 seed per locule. The seeds are wrinkled and brown, about 2.0 – 2.5 mm long in length. Fruits usually develop from September to December.

Taken at Kadavoor, Kerala, India