Chinese Hibiscus


Chinese Hibiscus

Some 220 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, and deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees belong to this genus, which occurs in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. The most widely cultivated species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which has numerous cultivars in the tropics, though only red-flowered plants are suitable for the purposes described below. The distinctive flowers, with their projecting column of stamens and style, has become a symbol of exotic places such as Hawaii, and are important in Hindu devotional ceremonies, being sacred to Ganesh, the elephant god. Hibiscus sabdariffa was introduced to Jamaica in the 18th century and is now grown in many parts of Asia, Africa, C America, and in California and Florida. It reached Europe in the late 19th century as "Sudanese tea", but was initially unpopular due to its blood-red color. Today it is used to color and flavor most fruit-based herb teas. Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima is widely grown for fiber; it has a taller, narrower habit. False roselle (H. acetosella) has sour-tasting foliage, used in similar ways to sorrel (Rumex acetosa, See sorrel). The related Malvaciscus arboreus (sleeping hibiscus, tulipan del monte) is used in C America and the Caribbean to stimulate hair growth and to promote sweating.

Dense, evergreen shrub with broadly lanceolate to ovate, glossy, dark green leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Solitary, bright crimson flowers, 7-10cm (3-4in) across, with yellow-anthered red stamens, appear in summer and autumn, or all yeare round in the tropics.


Common Name:
Chinese Hibiscus
Other Names:
Rose of China, Hawaiian hibiscus
Botanical Name:
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Genus:
Hibiscus
Family:
Malvaceae
Native Location:
Tropical Asia
Cultivation:
Well-drained, moist, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Hibiscus need full sun and warm summers to flower well. Cut back hard in spring. Whitefly, aphids, and spider mite may attack plants under cover.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring (species only) at 13-18°C (55-64°F); by greenwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:
Stems are cut for fiber. Leaves are picked when young and used fresh; flowers are cut and dried for infusions and powders. Calyces are collected when mature and used fresh or dried. Seeds for roasting are collected when ripe.
Varieties:
Cooperi
Is compact, with lanceolate leaves, variegated white and often pink tinged.
Height: 1-2m (3-6ft)
Width: 1-2m (3-6ft)

Scarlet Giant
Has bright scarlet flowers, 12-17cm (5-7in) across.
Height:
1.5-3m (5-10ft)
Width:
1.5-3m (5-10ft)
Hardiness:
Z9-11
Parts Used:
Flowers, juice from petals.
Properties:
A sweet, astringent, cooling herb that checks bleeding, soothes irritated tissues, and relaxes spasms.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for excessive and painful menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish illnesses, coughs, and for hair growth.
Culinary Uses:
Flowers are eaten raw or steamed, and used for coloring foods, such as jellies and preserved fruits.
Economic Uses:
Juice from petals is used in China to make shoe-blacking and mascara.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 235