Chinese hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Synonyms: Hibiscus arnottii, Hibiscus sinensis grandiflorus, Hibiscus tricolor, Hibiscus metallicus, Hibiscus rosiflorus, Hibiscus fulgens, Hibiscus rosiflorus var. simplex, Hibiscus denisonii, Hibiscus festalis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. variegatus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. flavoplenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis albo-pleno, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis aurantia-pleno, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. rubroplenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. genuinus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. fulgidus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. luteoplenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. vivicans, Hibiscus miniatus-semiplenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. kermesinus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis miniata-semiplenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flavus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis carminata-perfecta, Hibiscus colleri, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis albovariegatus, Hibiscus fulgidus, Hibiscus carminata-perfecta, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis colleri, Hibiscus androphoropetaloides, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. lucien-lindenii, Hibiscus rosiflorus var. plenus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. magnificus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. zebrinus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. flore-pleno, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. carneoplenus
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the Chinese hibiscus or shoeflower, is an evergreen flowering shrub in the family Malvaceae of uncertain wild origin, probably arising as a cultigen in tropical Asia and now grown throughout the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental. It reaches 2 to 5 metres in height with glossy dark-green leaves that are ovate to broadly lanceolate, 7 to 15 centimetres long, with coarsely toothed margins and acuminate tips. The showy solitary flowers are borne in the upper leaf axils, with a campanulate calyx subtended by 5 to 8 linear epicalyx bracts, and five large overlapping petals 6 to 15 centimetres across in colours ranging from red, pink, orange, yellow to white; double-flowered cultivars are common. A characteristic feature is the prominent staminal column extending well beyond the petals, bearing numerous anthers and terminating in a five-branched stigma. The fruit is a five-celled capsule, often not produced in cultivated double forms. Flowering occurs year-round in warm climates.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.