GUMAMELA

HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS
(The name 'Hibiscus' comes from hibiskos, the old Greek name for the common marsh
mallow. The most commonly grown species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which
means China Rose.)
CHARACTERISTICS OF A HIBISCUS PLANT
• Hibiscus are large, flat, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Hibiscus flowers have five petals, ranging from white to pink, red,
purple or yellow. The Hibiscus petals range in size from 4-15 cm
broad.
• Hibiscus are native to the tropical region of Asia, and tend to grow in
wet or swampy areas.
• Hibiscus is a large genus of about 200-220 species of flowering plants.
• The most popular and conspicuous use for hibiscus flowers is
decorative, with other uses being for cooking in herbal teas, and for
garnishing.
• Hibiscus flowers are busy members of the mallow family; there are
hundreds of different hibiscus species. The flowers are large and
brightly colored, shaped like a horn or trumpet, and some species will
change color as they age.
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
 Rose of Sharon  Hibiscus Sinosyriacus/syriacus
 Beach Hibiscus  Hibiscus Canabinus L.
 China Rose  Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
 Roselle  Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
 Sea Hibiscus  Hibiscus Tiliaceus
USES OF HIBISCUS PLANT

• To lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a

diuretic to increase urine production.
• To treat constipation, cancer, liver disease, and cold symptoms. Pulp
made from the leaves was applied to the skin to heal wounds.
• Common treatment for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Hibiscus shows potential for cancer treatment and as a weight loss
aid, along with other uses. There aren’t many studies in these areas,
but some research suggests that anthocyanin may hold the key to
hibiscus’ anticancer properties.
• Recent study found that hibiscus extract might have an effect on
metabolism, preventing obesity and fat buildup in the liver. The
tropical plant has even been used successfully as part of an herbal
extract mixture to treat head lice.
• Hibiscus tea is caffeine free, with a unique, delicious taste. It is
distinctive, vibrant, with a natural color, and is rich in Vitamin C.
Hibiscus tea has a pleasant fragrance, and is known to be a natural
body refrigerant in North Africa. The Egyptians believed that tea
made with red hibiscus flowers and sepals could induce licentious
cravings in women. As a result, for many centuries Egyptian women
were forbidden to drink Hibiscus tea.