Facts about Hibiscus
roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean).
Hibiscus, especially white hibiscus, is considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda.
The natives of southern India use Hibiscus rosa-sinensis for hair care purposes.
Malvaceae, the flowering plant family to which Hibiscus belongs, contains such well known members as cocoa, cotton, okra, and baobab.
Studies have shown hibiscus to be hypotensive (lower blood pressure), antispasmodic (suppress spasms), and antibacterial, as well as effective against tuberculosis (Kim 2005).
The Hibiscus genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, and woody shrubs and small trees.
Hibiscus schizopetalus is a species native to tropical eastern Africa in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique and has very distinctive red or pink flowers with frilly, finely divided petals.
Hibiscuses typically have five sepals and five petals, or the sepals may be basally connected to form a calyx with five teeth.
Other healing properties attributed to hibiscus preparations include for hair loss, relief for menstrual cramps and for the pain in childbirth.
Ecologically, the large hibiscus flowers provide nectar to such large pollinators as hummingbirds.
One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making.
Most commonly used medicinally is H. sabdariffa, known as roselle, but also popular are H. rosa-sinensis (common hibiscus, China rose) and H. syriacus (rose of Sharon).
China rose (H. rosa-sinensis), also known as Chinese hibiscus, is an evergreen flowering shrub native to East Asia.
Hibiscus plants provide important ecological, aesthetic, culinary, and medicinal values.
The various species of hibiscus are popular for ornamental, medicinal, and culinary purposes, as well as used in spiritual traditions.