Hibiscus is a group of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. This group has hundreds of species found in warm, subtropical, and tropical areas around the world. These plants are known for their large, colorful flowers and are often called "hibiscus" or sometimes "rose mallow." The group includes plants that live for one year, plants that live for many years, shrubs, and small trees.

Some species are grown as decorative plants, such as Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis.

Etymology

The common name "hibiscus" comes from the Greek word ἱβίσκος (hibískos), which was used by the ancient Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides to describe a plant that is now known by the scientific name Althaea officinalis.

Description

The leaves grow in an alternating pattern and are shaped from egg-like to spear-like. They often have edges that are toothed or divided into sections. The flowers are large and easy to see. They have a trumpet shape and five or more petals, with colors ranging from white to pink, red, blue, orange, peach, yellow, or purple. Each flower is between 4 and 18 centimeters wide.

In some species, such as H. mutabilis and H. tiliaceus, the flower color changes as the flower ages. The fruit is a dry, five-sectioned capsule that contains several seeds in each section. The seeds are released when the capsule splits open at maturity. The fruit has red and white colors. It is an example of complete flowering.

Species

The yellow hibiscus is Hawaii's state flower. However, the most often seen hibiscus in the state is Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis.

In cooler climates, the most commonly grown decorative hibiscus is Hibiscus syriacus, also called the common garden hibiscus. It is sometimes named the "rose of Althea" or "rose of Sharon" in some regions. This name should not be confused with Hypericum calycinum, a different plant that is also called "rose of Sharon." In warmer areas, the Chinese hibiscus (H. × rosa-sinensis) is the most popular type because of its many colorful varieties.

Scientists recognize 433 species of hibiscus as of 2026.

Uses

Many species are grown for their bright flowers or used as shrubs in gardens. These plants help attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Hibiscus is a strong and useful plant. In warm climates, it can improve the look of a garden. It grows well in small spaces, such as balconies in cities, and can be planted in pots as a climbing plant or in hanging containers. Hibiscus lives for many years and blooms all year. It comes in many colors, adding lively colors to gardens.

The only problem gardeners must watch for is mealybugs. These pests are easy to see because they appear as white, cotton-like clusters on buds, leaves, or stems.

One type of Hibiscus, called kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is widely used to make paper.

The inner bark of the sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus), also known as "hau," is used in Polynesia to make rope. The wood is used to build canoe floats. The ropes on the missionary ship Messenger of Peace were made from fibers of hibiscus trees.

Tea made from the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa is known by many names in different countries. It is served hot or cold and is famous for its red color, sour taste, and unique flavor. It is also rich in vitamin C.

This tea is called bissap in West Africa, "Gul e Khatmi" in Urdu and Persian, agua de jamaica in Mexico and Central America (the flower is called flor de jamaica), and Orhul in India. It is sometimes called roselle. In Jamaica, Trinidad, and other Caribbean islands, it is known as sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa; this should not be confused with Rumex acetosa, another plant also called sorrel). In Ghana, it is called sobolo.

In Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus tea is called karkadé (Arabic: كركديه) and is served hot or cold.

Dried hibiscus is edible and is a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a decoration for desserts. Contrary to common belief, the part eaten is the calyces, not the flowers or petals.

The plant called roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable. Another species, Hibiscus suratensis (also called Hibiscus aculeatus), is used in the Philippines as a souring ingredient in many dishes. It is known as labog in Visayan regions (or labuag/sapinit in Tagalog) and is used in local chicken soup.

Some Hibiscus species are food plants for the larvae of certain moth species, including Chionodes hibiscella, Hypercompe hambletoni, the nutmeg moth, and the turnip moth.

The plant Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis is used in Indian Ayurveda for medical purposes.

It is claimed that sour teas made from Hibiscus sabdariffa may lower blood pressure. While the exact reason is not fully understood, studies on animals have shown that Hibiscus sabdariffa may affect muscle tone and that Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis may have effects on fertility. Extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa have been shown to cause muscle contractions in rat bladders and uteruses. Extracts from Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis have shown contraceptive effects in rats through estrogen-like activity. These findings have not been tested in humans. Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis is also thought to help start menstruation and, in some cases, may cause miscarriage. Because of these effects in animal studies, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

It is believed that Hibiscus sabdariffa may interact with certain drugs, such as diclofenac, chloroquine, and acetaminophen, by changing how the body processes them. In healthy people, Hibiscus sabdariffa extract was found to reduce the excretion of diclofenac when taken together. Also, drinking karkade (Hibiscus sabdariffa tea), a common Sudanese beverage, was found to reduce the effectiveness of chloroquine. However, no major changes were seen in how acetaminophen was processed when taken with zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa tea). More research is needed to determine if these effects are important in humans.

Symbolism and culture

The red hibiscus is the flower associated with the Hindu goddess Kali. It is often shown in art from Bengal, India, sometimes blending with the goddess's image. People use the hibiscus as an offering to Kali and the god Ganesha during Hindu worship.

In the Philippines, children use the local name for hibiscus, called gumamela, to make bubbles. They crush the flowers and leaves to release sticky juices. Hollow papaya stalks are dipped into the juice and used as straws to blow bubbles. Adding soap to the hibiscus juice helps create more bubbles. In the Waray language of Eastern Samar province, this activity is called "Tarukanga."

In Pacific island cultures, women traditionally wear hibiscus flowers. If the flower is worn behind the left ear, it means the woman is married or has a boyfriend. If it is worn on the right ear, it means she is single or available for a relationship. The pink hibiscus originated in Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it represents beauty, femininity, and young love. It is closely linked to Hawaiian culture and the Aloha spirit, which reflects love, happiness, and peace.

A stylized image of the hibiscus flower was used as the logo of Air Polynésie. Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie named her first novel Purple Hibiscus after the flower.

The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibers. These fibers can be collected by placing stripped bark in the sea, allowing organic material to rot away.

A coastal area in Auckland, New Zealand, is called the Hibiscus Coast. It is named after the hibiscus flower because the flower is linked to beach and holiday themes.

The hibiscus is a national symbol of Haiti and the national flower of countries such as 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.