Hibiscus (pronounced /hɨˈbɪskəs/ or /haɪˈbɪskəs/ ) is a genus of plants with member species often noted for their showy flowers and commonly known as hibiscus or less widely as rosemallow or flor de Jamaica . This large genus includes about 200–220 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae native to warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. The genus also includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees.
Description
The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, ranging from white to pink, red, orange, purple or yellow, and from 4-18 cm broad.The color of the Hibiscus grows darker as it ages. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity.
Uses
Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs. Many species are used to attract butterflies and bees. Hibiscus is also a primary ingredient in many herbal teas.
One species of Hibiscus , known as Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus ), is extensively used in paper making. Another, roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean).
In Mexico, the drink is known as agua de Flor de Jamaica and is quite popular for its color, tanginess and mild flavor; once sugar is added, it tastes somewhat like cranberry juice. Dieters or people with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic. It is made by boiling the dehydrated flowers in water; once it is boiled, it is allowed to cool and drunk with ice. The flowers are also used to add flavor to the end of year punch, along with many other plants as cinnamon, guava and sugar cane.
In Egypt and Sudan, roselle petals are used to make a tea named after the plant karkade.
Certain species of hibiscus are also beginning to be used more widely as a natural source of food colouring (E163), and replacement of Red #3 / E127.
Hibiscus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Chionodes hibiscella , Hypercompe hambletoni , the Nutmeg moth, and the Turnip Moth.
The Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is considered to have a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology.
The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibers. They can be obtained by letting the stripped bark sit in the sea in order to let the organic material rot away. In Polynesia these fibers (fau, pūrau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.
Hibiscus, especially white hibiscus, is considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda. Roots make various concoctions believed to cure various ailments.
A 2008 USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Three cups of tea daily resulted in an average drop of 7.2 point in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 point drop in the volunteers who drank the placebo beverage. Study participants with higher blood pressure readings (129 or above), had a greater response to hibiscus tea, their systolic blood pressure went down by 13.2 points. This data supports the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure, although more research is required.
The natives of southern India use the Red hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ) for hair care purposes. The red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall, dandruff on the scalp and also for colouring the hair. It is used to make hair-protective oils. A simple application involves soaking the leaves and flowers in water and using a wet grinder to make a thick paste, and used as a natural shampoo. its petals are used to cure fever while its roots are used to cure cough.
In the Philippines, the gumamela (local name for hibiscus) is used by children as part of a bubble-making pastime. The flowers and leaves are crushed until the sticky juices come out. Hollow papaya stalks are then dipped into this and used as straws for blowing bubbles.
Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish..
The red hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian women. A single flower is tucked behind the ear. Which ear is used indicates the wearer's availability for marriage.
National symbol
Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia
Species
In temperate zones, probably the most commonly grown ornamental species is Hibiscus syriacus , the common garden Hibiscus, also known in some areas as the "Rose of Althea" or "Rose of Sharon" (but not to be confused with the unrelated Hypericum calycinum , also called "Rose of Sharon"). In tropical and subtropical areas, the Chinese hibiscus ( H. rosa-sinensis ), with its many showy hybrids, is the most popular hibiscus.
About 200-220 species are known, including:
Gallery
External links
- Hibiscus information page
References
- ^ "Hibiscus L.". Germplasm Resources Information Network . United States Department of Agriculture. 2007-10-05 . http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?5665 . Retrieved 2009-02-20 .
- ^ Oxford English Dictionary
- ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
- ^ Floridata: Plants That Attract Butterflies
- ^ 101 Cookbooks: Jamaica Flower Iced Tea Recipe
- ^ Food Additive World - Hibiscus (accessed 03/05/2009)
- ^ Nature's Flavours - Hibiscus Red (accessed 03/05/2009)
- ^ Plants for a Future: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis . (accessed 07/05/2009)
- ^ Study Shows Consuming Hibiscus Tea Lowers Blood Pressure (accessed 05/10/2009)
- ^ Nation's Restaurant News:
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