The Multi-Purpose Hibiscus

Hibiscus is known to many as a group of plants with member species having flowers of notable colors. Generally, Hibiscus plants have large trumpet-shaped flowers having 5 or more petals. These showy flowers come in various colors that darken as the plant ages.

The photo at the left is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Flowers of rosa-sinensis – also known as Chinese hibiscus, China rose and shoe flower – are large and lacks scent. Original varieties have red-colored flowers but other varieties have colors ranging from white to yellow, orange to scarlet, as well shades of pink, as shown in the photo at the left. Some cultivars have single petals while others have double sets of petals.

TRIVIA: Did you know that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia?

Rosa-sinensis have numerous medical uses. It is also grown as an ornamental plant. Women in some countries use it for hair care purposes. Children in the Philippines use it for their bubble-making game.

Related Articles

• Colorful Hibiscus Flowers - When spring arrives so do the colorful Hibiscus bushes and trees, they come in many colors but the most prolific and best varieties come in pink, red and orange. They put on a beautiful show!
• The Passion Flower Tells Its Story - The unique flower structure of a passion flower tells a lot about its rich history or origin, symbolism, and uses. Although the plant as a whole has become a reminder for early pilgrims about the passion of the Christ, it is actually the decorative flower parts that became the source of the plant’s name.