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Hibiscus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hibiscus
Hibiscus × archeri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Malvoideae
Tribe: Hibisceae
Genus: Hibiscus
L.
Type species
Hibiscus syriacus L.[1]
Species

See list of Hibiscus species

Synonyms[2]
  • Bombix Medik.
  • Bombycella Lindl.
  • Bombyx Moench
  • Brockmania W.Fitzg.
  • Canhamo Perini
  • Cotyloplecta Alef.
  • Erebennus Alef.
  • Fioria Mattei
  • Furcaria Kostel.
  • Gourmania A.Chev.
  • Humbertianthus Hochr.
  • Ketmia Mill.
  • Laguna Cav.
  • Macrostelia Hochr.
  • Marconia Mattei
  • Muenchhusia Heist. ex Fabr.
  • Munchusia Heist. ex Raf.
  • Petitia Neck., opus utique oppr.
  • Solandra Murray, nom. illeg.
  • Symphyochlamys Gürke
  • Talipariti Fryxell
  • Triguera Cav., nom. rej.
  • Trionaea Medik.
  • Trionum L.
  • Triplochiton Alef., nom. rej.
  • Wilhelminia Hochr.

Hibiscus is a genus of plants in the family Malvaceae native to the tropics and subtropics.[2] The genus is quite large, comprising 319 species.[2] Hibiscus are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees.

Several species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants, notably Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis.[3]

Description

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Hibiscus tiliaceus in flower
Dehisced capsule fruit of Hibiscus praeteritus releasing hairy seeds

Vegetative characteristics

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Hibiscus are annual or perennial, 0.1–4 m tall[4] shrubs, subshrubs, trees, or herbs[5] with alternate, usually stipulate, petiolate leaves with an entire or lobed margin.[6] The leaf venation is pinnate or palmate.[4]

Generative characteristics

[edit]

The flowers are large and conspicuous.[7] They are trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, colour from white to pink, red, blue, orange, peach,[8] and from 4–18 cm broad.[citation needed] Flower colour in certain species, such as H. mutabilis and H. tiliaceus, changes with age.[9] 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 flowering.[citation needed]

Taxonomy

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It was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753[2][10] with Hibiscus syriacus L. as the type species.[1]

Etymology

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The generic name is derived from the Greek name ἱβίσκος (hibískos) which Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides gave to a plant now scientifically labelled as Althaea officinalis.[11][12]

Species

[edit]

Several hundred species (433 in 2026) are accepted, including:[2]

Formerly placed in the genus

[edit]

Uses

[edit]

Landscaping

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Hibiscus species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs, and are used to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.[18]

Rope and construction

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The ropes on the missionary ship Messenger of Peace were made of fibres from hibiscus trees.[19]

Food

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Dried hibiscus is edible,[20] and it is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish, usually for desserts.[21] Contrary to popular assumptions that the flowers or petals are what is being eaten, it is the calyces.[22]

Folk medicine

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Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis is described as having a number of medical uses in Indian Ayurveda.[23]

Precautions and contraindications

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Pregnancy and lactation

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While the mechanism is not well understood, previous animal studies have demonstrated anti-fertility effects of H. × rosa-sinensis.[24] The H. × rosa-sinensis extract has exhibited contraceptive effects in the form of estrogen activity in rats.[24] These findings have not been observed in humans. The H. × rosa-sinensis is also thought to have emmenagogue effects which can stimulate menstruation and, in some women, cause an abortion.[25][26] Due to the documented adverse effects in animal studies and the reported pharmacological properties, the H. × rosa-sinensis are not recommended for use during pregnancy.[26]

Symbolism and culture

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The red hibiscus[which?] 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.[27][28]

The pink hibiscus flower has its origins in Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it has served as a symbol of beauty, femininity, and young love. It is commonly associated with the Hawaiian culture and the Aloha spirit, which celebrates love, happiness, and peace.[29]

As a national and state symbol

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The hibiscus is a national symbol of Haiti,[30] and the national flower of nations including the Solomon Islands and Niue.[31] Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea,[32] and Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia.[31]

References

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  1. 1 2 Hibiscus L. (n.d.). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved September 18, 2026, from https://www.ipni.org/n/328182-2
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Hibiscus L. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
  3. ↑ Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2008). The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 534. ISBN 9781405332965.
  4. 1 2 Western Australian Herbarium & Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. (n.d.). Hibiscus L. Florabase — the Western Australian Flora. Retrieved September 18, 2026, from https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/21756
  5. ↑ Hibiscus in Flora of China @ efloras.org. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2026, from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=115438
  6. ↑ Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. (2018, December 27). Hibiscus. VicFlora Flora of Victoria. Retrieved September 18, 2026, from https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/flora/taxon/006de5fa-3709-4099-ad28-54613498082d
  7. ↑ "Hibiscus: Classification, Characteristics and Uses". BYJUS. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  8. ↑ "Hibiscus (National Gardening Association)". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  9. ↑ Lee, David Webster (2007). Nature's Palette: the Science of Plant Color. University of Chicago Press. p. 183. ISBN 978-0-226-47052-8.
  10. ↑ Linné, Carl von, & Salvius, Lars. (1753). Caroli Linnaei ... Species plantarum :exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas... (Vol. 2, p. 693). Impensis Laurentii Salvii. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/358714
  11. ↑ Lawton, Barbara Perry (2004). Hibiscus: Hardy and Tropical Plants for the Garden. Timber Press. p. 36. ISBN 978-0-88192-6545.
  12. ↑ Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, ἰβίσκος
  13. ↑ "Hibiscus acapulcensis Fryxell — The Plant List". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  14. ↑ "Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern — The Plant List". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  15. ↑ Bussmann, R. W.; Gilbreath, G. G.; Solio, J.; Lutura, M.; Lutuluo, R.; Kunguru, K.; Wood, N.; Mathenge, S. G. (2006). "Plant use of the Maasai of Sekenani Valley, Maasai Mara, Kenya". Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2: 22. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-2-22. PMC 1475560. PMID 16674830.
  16. 1 2 3 Braglia, Luca; Thomson, Lex A.J.; Cheek, Martin; Mabberley, David J.; Butaud, Jean-François (14 March 2024). "Pacific Species of Hibiscus sect. Lilibiscus (Malvaceae). 4. The Origin of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis: A 300-Year-Old Mystery Solved". Pacific Science. 77 (4). doi:10.2984/77.4.3.
  17. ↑ "GRIN Species Records of Hibiscus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2014-09-16. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  18. ↑ "Floridata Master Plant List". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  19. ↑ "Missionary Ships". Shipping Wonders of the World (Part 51). 26 January 1937. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  20. ↑ Sokoh, Ozoz (2021-05-14). "What is Hibiscus? For Starters, It's Not a Flower". Bon Appétit. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  21. ↑ Pamela Parseghian (November 15, 2009). "Hibiscus blossoms as a food, drink ingredient". NRN.
  22. ↑ Levinson, Jessica (May 9, 2024). "Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea, According to a Dietitian". EatingWell.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  23. ↑ Plants for a Future: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. (accessed 07/05/2009)
  24. 1 2 Vasudeva, N.; Sharma, S.K. (2008). "Post-Coital Antifertility Activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. roots". Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 5 (1): 91–94. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem003. PMC 2249740. PMID 18317554.
  25. ↑ de Boer, H.J.; Cotingting, C. (2014). "Medicinal plants for women's healthcare in Southeast Asia: a meta-analysis of their traditional use, chemical constituents, and pharmacology". J Ethnopharmacol. 151 (2): 747–767. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.030. PMID 24269772.
  26. 1 2 Ernst, E. (2002). "Herbal medicinal products during pregnancy: are they safe?". Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 109 (3): 227–235. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2002.t01-1-01009.x. PMID 11950176. S2CID 34775253.
  27. ↑ "Kali Puja 2018: Date, Puja time, Significance And Foods to Celebrate the Festival". NDTV.com. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 2020-08-28.
  28. ↑ "Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Quotes, wishes and messages which you can send to your family and friends on Vinayaka Chaturthi". The Times of India. Retrieved 2020-08-28.
  29. ↑ Friend, Josh Foliage (2023-05-19). "Pink Hibiscus Flower Meaning, Symbolism & Spiritual Significance - Foliage Friend - Learn About Different Types of Plants". Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  30. ↑ "National Symbols". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  31. 1 2 Minahan, James (2009). The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0-31334-497-8.
  32. ↑ Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS). "What you didn't know about Korea's national flower". Korea.net.
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