hibiscus n : any plant of the genus Hibiscus

see Hibiscus

English

Etymology

From Later Hibiscus < Latin hibiscum < Greek ἰβίσκος, the "marsh mallow"

Noun

1. A flower of the genus Hibiscus, found in tropical to temperate regions
2. A cocktail made with champagne and cranberry juice.

Translations

Hibiscus, or rosemallow, is a large genus of about 200–220 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae (the mallow family, along with members like cocoa, cotton, okra, baobab and durian) native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, and woody shrubs and small trees.

Description

The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow, and from 4-15 cm broad. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity.

pistil and stamens

Uses

Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs. Hibiscus is also a primary ingredient in many herbal teas.

One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making. Another, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean). In Latin America, the drink is known as Jamaica and is quite popular. It is made from calyces of the roselle plant. In Egypt and Sudan, roselle petals make a tea named after the plant, karkade.

Hibiscus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Chionodes hibiscella, Hypercompe hambletoni, the Nutmeg moth, and the Turnip Moth.

The Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship. The Gumamela or Hibiscus rosa sinensis linn flower has antifungal, emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant effect.[240] The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibers. They can be obtained by letting the stripped bark sit in the sea in order to let the organic material rot away. In Polynesia these fibers (fau, pūrau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.

Hibiscus, especially white hibiscus, is considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda. Roots make various concoctions believed to cure various ailments.

The natives of southern India uses the Red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for hair care purposes. The red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall and dandruff on the scalp. It is used to make hair protective oils. A simple application involves soaking the leaves and flowers in water and using a wet grinder to make a thick paste, and used as a natural shampoo.

Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico.

National symbol

The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Bunga Raya or "Chinese hibiscus") is the national flower of Malaysia.

The ma‘o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the state flower of Hawaii.

The Hibiscus syriacus (Mugunghwa or "Rose of Sharon") is the national flower of South Korea.

The Native Hibiscus is a national emblem of the Stolen Generation of indigenous peoples in Australia. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing.

Species

In temperate zones, probably the most commonly grown ornamental species is Hibiscus syriacus, the common garden Hibiscus, also known in some areas as the "Rose of Althea" or "Rose of Sharon" (but not to be confused with the unrelated Hypericum calycinum, also called "Rose of Sharon"). In tropical and subtropical areas, the Chinese hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis), with its many showy hybrids, is the most popular hibiscus.

About 200-220 species are known, including:

• Hibiscus acetosella
• Hibiscus arnottianus - Koki'o 'ula
• Hibiscus brackenridgei - Ma'o hau hele
• Hibiscus calyphyllus
• Hibiscus cameronii
• Hibiscus cannabinus - Kenaf
• Hibiscus cisplatinus
• Hibiscus clayi - Hawaiian hibiscus (red)
• Hibiscus coccineus
• Hibiscus dasycalyx - Neches River rose-mallow
• Hibiscus denudatus - Pale face
• Hibiscus diversifolius
• Hibiscus elatus
• Hibiscus fragilis - Mandrinette
• Hibiscus furcellatus - 'Akiohala
• Hibiscus fuscus
• Hibiscus grandiflorus
• Hibiscus coccineus
• Hibiscus hamabo
• Hibiscus hastatus
• Hibiscus heterophyllus
• Hibiscus indicus
• Hibiscus insularis - Phillip Island Hibiscus
• Hibiscus laevis - Halberd-leaved rosemallow
• Hibiscus lasiocarpos
• Hibiscus lavaterioides
• Hibiscus ludwigii
• Hibiscus macrophyllus
• Hibiscus militaris - Syn. of Hibiscus laevis
• Hibiscus moscheutos - Swamp Rose-mallow
• Hibiscus mutabilis - Cotton rosemallow
• Hibiscus paramutabilis
• Hibiscus pedunculatus
• Hibiscus platanifolius
• Hibiscus radiatus
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - Chinese hibiscus
• Hibiscus sabdariffa - Roselle or Omutete or Sorrel
• Hibiscus schizopetalus
• Hibiscus scottii
• Hibiscus sinosyriacus
• Hibiscus syriacus - Hibiscus
• Hibiscus tiliaceus - Hau
• Hibiscus trionum - Flower-of-an-Hour
• Hibiscus waimeae - Koki'o ke'oke'o

commons Hibiscus