Hibiscus

''Hibiscus'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow. Other names include hardy hibiscus, rose of sharon, and tropical hibiscus.

The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. The generic name is derived from the Greek name ἰβίσκος (''ibískos'') which Pedanius Dioscorides gave to ''Althaea officinalis'' ( 40–90 AD).

Several species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, notably ''Hibiscus syriacus'' and ''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis''.

A tea made from hibiscus flowers is known by many names around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is known for its red colour, tart flavour, and vitamin C content.

Description

The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin (dentate). The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, colour from white to pink, red, blue, orange, peach, yellow or purple, and from 4–18 cm broad.

Flower colour in certain species, such as '' H. mutabilis'' and '' H. tiliaceus'', changes with age. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule dehisces (splits open) at maturity. It is of red and white colours. It is an example of complete flowers.

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.

Several hundred species are known, including:

*'' Hibiscus abelmoschus'' L. synonym of ''Abelmoschus moschatus'' Medik.
*'' Hibiscus abelmoschus'' var. ''betulifolius'' Mast. synonym of ''Abelmoschus moschatus'' Medik.
*'' Hibiscus abelmoschus'' var. ''genuinus'' Hochr. synonym of ''Abelmoschus moschatus'' Medik.
*''Hibiscus laevis abutiloides'' Willd. synonym of ''Talipariti tiliaceum'' var. ''pernambucense'' (Arruda) Fryxell
*'' Hibiscus abyssinicus'' Steud. (unresolved)
*''Hibiscus acapulcensis'' Fryxell
*'' Hibiscus acerifolius'' Salisb. (unresolved)
*'' Hibiscus acerifolius'' DC. (unresolved)
*''Hibiscus acetosaefolius'' DC. (unresolved)
*''Hibiscus acetosella'' Welw. ex Hiern. false roselle
*'' Hibiscus acicularis''
*'' Hibiscus aculeatus''—comfortroot
*'' Hibiscus aethiopicus'' L.
*'' Hibiscus altissimus''
*''Hibiscus andongensis''
*'' Hibiscus angolensis''
*''Hibiscus aponeurus''
*'' Hibiscus archeri''—Archer's hibiscus
*''Hibiscus aridicola''
*''Hibiscus arnottianus'' A.Gray—''kokiʻo ʻula'' (Hawaii)
*''Hibiscus asper''—bush roselle
*''Hibiscus austroyunnanensis''
*'' Hibiscus barbosae''
*'' Hibiscus benguellensis''
*'' Hibiscus berberidifolius''
*'' Hibiscus bernieri''
*'' Hibiscus bifurcatus''—fork-bracted rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus biseptus''—Arizona rosemallow
*''Hibiscus bojerianus''
*'' Hibiscus boryanus''—foulsapate marron
*''Hibiscus brackenridgei'' A.Gray—Hawaiian hibiscus ''maʻo hau hele''
*'' Hibiscus burtt-davyi''
*'' Hibiscus caerulescens''
*'' Hibiscus caesius''—dark-eyed hibiscus (South Africa)
*'' Hibiscus calyphyllus''—lemonyellow rosemallow (tropical Africa)
*'' Hibiscus cameronii''—Cameron's hibiscus, pink hibiscus
*'' Hibiscus cannabinus'' L.—Kenaf
*''Hibiscus castroi''
*'' Hibiscus cisplatinus''—rosa del rio
*'' Hibiscus citrinus''
*''Hibiscus clayi'' O.Deg. & I.Deg.— Hawaiian red hibiscus (Hawaii)
*'' Hibiscus clypeatus''—Congo mahoe
*'' Hibiscus coccineus'' ( Medik.) Walter—scarlet rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus colimensis''
*'' Hibiscus columnaris''—mahot rempart
*'' Hibiscus comoensis''
*'' Hibiscus congestiflorus''
*'' Hibiscus costatus''
*''Hibiscus coulteri''—desert rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus cuanzensis''
*'' Hibiscus dasycalyx''—Neches River rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus denudatus'' Benth.—pale face (Southwestern United States, Northwestern Mexico)
*'' Hibiscus dimidiatus''
*'' Hibiscus dioscorides'' (Yemen)
*'' Hibiscus diplocrater''
*''Hibiscus diriffan'' A.G.Mill. (Yemen)
*''Hibiscus diversifolius''—swamp hibiscus
*'' Hibiscus dongolensis''
*'' Hibiscus donianus''
*''Hibiscus elatus''—mahoe
*'' Hibiscus elegans''
*'' Hibiscus engleri''—wild hibiscus
*'' Hibiscus escobariae''
*'' Hibiscus excellii''
*'' Hibiscus ferrugineus''
*'' Hibiscus ficalhoanus''
*'' Hibiscus flavoroseus''
*'' Hibiscus fragilis'' DC.—mandrinette (Mascarene Islands)
*'' Hibiscus fragrans''
*'' Hibiscus fritzscheae''
*'' Hibiscus fugosioides''
*''Hibiscus furcellatus'' Desr.—lindenleaf rosemallow (Caribbean, Florida, Central America, South America, Hawaii)
*'' Hibiscus fuscus''
*'' Hibiscus genevii'' Bojer (Mauritius)
*'' Hibiscus gilletii''
*'' Hibiscus gossweileri''
*'' Hibiscus grandidieri''
*'' Hibiscus grandiflorus'' Michx.—swamp rosemallow (Southeastern United States)
*'' Hibiscus grandistipulatus''
*'' Hibiscus grewiifolius''
*'' Hibiscus hamabo''
*'' Hibiscus hastatus''
*'' Hibiscus heterophyllus''—native rosella
*'' Hibiscus hirtus''—lesser mallow
*'' Hibiscus hispidissimus''
*'' Hibiscus huellensis''
*'' Hibiscus hybridus''
*''Hibiscus indicus''
*''Hibiscus insularis'' Endl.—Phillip Island hibiscus (Phillip Island)
*''Hibiscus integrifolius''
*''Hibiscus jaliscensis''
*'' Hibiscus kochii''
*''Hibiscus kokio''—red rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus labordei''
*''Hibiscus laevis'' All. (=''H. militaris'')—halberd-leaved rosemallow (central and eastern North America)
*'' Hibiscus lasiocarpos''—woolly rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus lasiococcus''
*''Hibiscus lavaterioides''
*'' Hibiscus laxiflorus''
*'' Hibiscus leptocladus'' ( orthwest Australia
*'' Hibiscus leviseminus''
*'' Hibiscus lilacinus''—lilac hibiscus
*''Hibiscus liliiflorus''—Rodrigues tree hibiscus
*'' Hibiscus longifolius''
*'' Hibiscus longisepalus''
*'' Hibiscus ludwigii''
*'' Hibiscus lunariifolius''
*''Hibiscus macilwraithensis'' - Australia
*'' Hibiscus macrogonus''
*'' Hibiscus macrophyllus''—largeleaf rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus macropodus''
*'' Hibiscus makinoi''—Okinawan hibiscus
*'' Hibiscus malacophyllus'' Balf.f. (Yemen)
*'' Hibiscus malacospermus''
*''Hibiscus martianus''— heartleaf rosemallow
*''Hibiscus mesnyi'' Pierre ex Laness. (Vietnam endemic)
*'' Hibiscus moscheutos'' L.—crimsoneyed rosemallow (Central and Eastern North America)
*''Hibiscus mutabilis'' L.—cotton rosemallow, Confederate rose (East Asia)
*'' Hibiscus paramutabilis''
*'' Hibiscus pedunculatus''
*'' Hibiscus phoeniceus''—Brazilian rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus platanifolius''
*'' Hibiscus pusillus'' Thunb. -bladderweed
*'' Hibiscus quattenensis''
*''Hibiscus poeppigii''—Poeppig's rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus radiatus''—monarch rosemallow
*''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'' L.—Chinese hibiscus (East Asia)
*''Hibiscus sabdariffa'' L.—roselle, omutete, or sorrel
*'' Hibiscus schizopetalus''—fringed rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus scottii''
*'' Hibiscus socotranus''
*''Hibiscus sinosyriacus''
*'' Hibiscus splendens''
*''Hibiscus stenanthus'' Balf.f. (Yemen)
*'' Hibiscus striatus''—striped rosemallow
*'' Hibiscus sturtii Australia
*''Hibiscus syriacus'' L. (type species)—rose of Sharon (Asia)
*''Hibiscus taiwanensis S.Y. Hu''
*''Hibiscus tiliaceus'' L.—sea hibiscus (Australia, Southeast Asia, Oceania)
*''Hibiscus tozerensis'' - Australia
*'' Hibiscus trilobus''—threelobe rosemallow
*''Hibiscus trionum'' L.—flower-of-an-hour
*'' Hibiscus vitifolius''—tropical rose mallow
*''Hibiscus waimeae'' A.Heller—''kokiʻo keʻokeʻo'' (Hawaii)

Formerly placed in the genus

*''Abelmoschus esculentus'' (L.) Moench (as ''H. esculentus'' L.)
*''Abelmoschus ficulneus'' (L.) Wight & Arn. (as ''H. ficulneus'' L.)
* ''Abelmoschus manihot'' subsp. ''manihot'' (as ''H. manihot'' L.)
* ''Abelmoschus manihot'' var. ''pungens'' (Roxb.) Hochr. (as ''H. pungens'' Roxb.)
* ''Abelmoschus manihot'' var. ''tetraphyllus'' (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Borss. Waalk. (as ''H. tetraphyllus'' Roxb. ex Hornem.)
* ''Abelmoschus moschatus'' subsp. ''moschatus'' (as ''H. abelmoschus'' L.)
* ''Abelmoschus moschatus'' subsp. ''tuberosus'' (Span.) Borss. Waalk. (as ''H. sagittifolius'' Kurz)
*'' Alyogyne cuneiformis'' (DC.) Lewton (as ''H. cuneiformis'' DC.)
*'' Alyogyne hakeifolia'' (Giord.) Alef. (as ''H. hakeifolius'' Giord.)
*'' Alyogyne huegelii'' (Endl.) Fryxell (as ''H. wrayae'' Lindl.)
*'' Alyogyne pinoniana'' (Gaudich.) Fryxell (as ''H. pinonianus'' Gaudich.)
*''Firmiana simplex'' (L.) W.Wight (as ''H. simplex'' L.)
* ''Lagunaria patersonia'' subsp. ''patersonia'' (as ''H. patersonius'' Andrews)
*'' Kosteletzkya adoensis'' (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Mast. (as ''H. adoensis'' Hochst. ex A.Rich.)
*''Kosteletzkya pentacarpos'' (L.) Ledeb. (as ''H. pentacarpos'' L.)
*'' Kosteletzkya tubiflora'' (DC.) Blanch. & McVaugh (as ''H. tubiflorus'' DC.)
*'' Kosteletzkya virginica'' (L.) C.Presl ex A.Gray (as ''H. virginicus'' L.)
*'' Pavonia arabica'' Hochst. & Steud. ex Boiss. (as ''H. flavus'' Forssk.)
*'' Pavonia spinifex'' (L.) Cav. (as ''H. spinifex'' L.)
*'' Radyera farragei'' (F.Muell.) Fryxell & S.H.Hashmi (as ''H. farragei'' F.Muell.)
*''Thespesia lampas'' (Cav.) Dalzell (as ''H. lampas'' Cav.)
*''Thespesia populnea'' (L.) Sol. ex Corrêa (as ''H. populneoides'' Roxb. or ''H. populneus'' L.)

Uses

Landscaping

Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs, and are used to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Hibiscus is a very hardy, versatile plant and in tropical conditions it can enhance the beauty of any garden. Being versatile it adapts itself easily to balcony gardens in crammed urban spaces and can be easily grown in pots as a creeper or even in hanging pots. It is a perennial and flowers throughout the year. As it comes in a variety of colors, it's a plant which can add vibrancy to any garden.

The only infestation that gardeners need to be vigilant about is mealybugs. Mealybug infestations are easy to spot as they are clearly visible as a distinct white cottony infestation on buds, leaves or even stems. To protect the plant you need to trim away the infected part, spray with water, and apply an appropriate pesticide.

Paper

One species of ''Hibiscus'', known as kenaf (''Hibiscus cannabinus''), is extensively used in paper-making.

Rope and construction

The inner bark of the sea hibiscus (''Hibiscus tiliaceus''), also called 'hau', is used in Polynesia for making rope, and the wood for making canoe floats. The ropes on the missionary ship ''Messenger of Peace'' were made of fibres from hibiscus trees.

Beverage

The tea made of the calyces of ''Hibiscus sabdariffa'' is known by many names in many countries around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is well known for its red colour, tartness and unique flavour. Additionally, it is highly nutritious because of its vitamin C content.

It is known as ''bissap'' in West Africa, "Gul e Khatmi" in Urdu & Persian, ''agua de jamaica'' in Mexico and Central America (the flower being'' flor de jamaica'') and ''Orhul'' in India. Some refer to it as ''roselle'', a common name for the hibiscus flower. In Jamaica, Trinidad and many other islands in the Caribbean, the drink is known as ''sorrel'' (''Hibiscus sabdariffa''; not to be confused with '' Rumex acetosa'', a species sharing the common name ''sorrel''). In Ghana, the drink is known as ''soobolo'' in one of the local languages.

In Cambodia, a cold beverage can be prepared by first steeping the petals in hot water until the colors are leached from the petals, then adding lime juice (which turns the beverage from dark brown/red to a bright red), sweeteners (sugar/honey) and finally cold water/ice cubes.

In Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus tea is known as ''karkadé'' (كركديه), and is served as both a hot and a cold drink.

Hibiscus (also known in Sri Lanka as shoe flower, සපත්තු මල, වද මල in Sinhalese) is an ingredient with a rich heritage of refreshing Lankans. Fresh juices, ice teas and syrups made of the Hibiscus flower are famous refreshments among Sri Lankans.

Food

Dried hibiscus is edible, and it is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish, usually for desserts.

The roselle (''Hibiscus sabdariffa'') is used as a vegetable.
The species ''Hibiscus suratensis'' Linn synonymous with ''Hibiscus aculeatus'' G. Don is noted in Visayas in the Philippines as being a souring ingredient for almost all local vegetables and menus. Known as labog in the Visayan area (or labuag/sapinit in Tagalog), the species is an ingredient in cooking native chicken soup.

''Hibiscus'' species are used as food plants by the larvae of some lepidopteran species, including '' Chionodes hibiscella'', ''Hypercompe hambletoni'', the nutmeg moth, and the turnip moth.

Folk medicine

''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'' is described as having a number of medical uses in Indian Ayurveda.Plants for a Future: ''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis''
(accessed 07/05/2009)

Claimed effects on blood pressure

It has been claimed that sour teas derived from ''Hibiscus sabdariffa'' may lower blood pressure.

Precautions and contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation

While the mechanism is not well understood, previous animal studies have demonstrated both an inhibitory effect of ''H. sabdariffa'' on muscle tone and the anti-fertility effects of ''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'', respectively. The extract of ''H. sabdariffa'' has been shown to stimulate contraction of the rat bladder and uterus; the ''H. rosa-sinensis'' extract has exhibited contraceptive effects in the form of estrogen activity in rats. These findings have not been observed in humans. The ''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'' is also thought to have emmenagogue effects which can stimulate menstruation and, in some women, cause an abortion. Due to the documented adverse effects in animal studies and the reported pharmacological properties, the ''H. sabdariffa'' and ''H. rosa-sinensis'' are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Drug interactions

It is postulated that ''H. sabdariffa'' interacts with diclofenac, chloroquine and acetaminophen by altering the pharmacokinetics. In healthy human volunteers, the ''H. sabdariffa'' extract was found to reduce the excretion of diclofenac upon co-administration. Additionally, co-administration of Karkade (''H. sabdariffa''), a common Sudanese beverage, was found to reduce chloroquine bioavailability. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen when administered with the Zobo (''H. sabdariffa'') drink. Further studies are needed to demonstrate clinical significance.

Symbolism and culture

The red hibiscus is the flower of the Hindu goddess Kali, and appears frequently in depictions of her in the art of Bengal, India, often with the goddess and the flower merging in form. The hibiscus is used as an offering to Kali and the god Ganesha in Hindu worship.

In the Philippines, the ''gumamela'' (the local name for hibiscus) is used by children as part of a bubble-making pastime. The flowers and leaves are crushed until the sticky juices come out. Hollow papaya stalks are then dipped into this and used as straws for blowing bubbles. Together with soap, hibiscus juices produce more bubbles. It is also called "Tarukanga" in Waray, particularly in Eastern Samar province.

The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian and Hawaiian girls. If the flower is worn behind the left ear, the woman is married or has a boyfriend. If the flower is worn on the right, she is single or openly available for a relationship. The yellow hibiscus is Hawaii's state flower.

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie named her first novel ''Purple Hibiscus'' after the delicate flower.

The bark of the hibiscus contains strong bast fibres that can be obtained by letting the stripped bark set in the sea to let the organic material rot away.

As a national and state symbol

The hibiscus is a national symbol of Haiti, and the national flower of nations including the Solomon Islands and Niue. ''Hibiscus syriacus'' is the national flower of South Korea, and ''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'' is the national flower of Malaysia. ''Hibiscus brackenridgei'' is the state flower of Hawaii.

References

External links

American Hibiscus Society (AHS)Australian Hibiscus SocietyInternational Hibiscus Society
*Vicki J. Coldwel
Plant and care HibiscusFoundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions
*

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Medicinal plants
Malvaceae genera
National symbols of Haiti
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus
Plants that can bloom all year round
Flowers in religion