shoeflower: shoeflower

shoeflower: shoeflower: SHOE FLOWER The word hibiscus derived from the ancient Greek hibiskos, the name for the plant known as marsh mallow or white mallow. Hib...

shoeflower

SHOE FLOWER

The word hibiscus derived from the ancient Greek hibiskos, the name for the plant known as marsh mallow or white mallow. Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing more than 200 species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. By recent count about 220 species of annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and trees belong to the genus Hibiscus. This is a genus of great diversity. Some hibiscuses originated in tropical regions of the world, other in temperate regions. Some are herbaceous, others woody. In habit they range from low-growing, spreading, types to upright, woody forms that reach up to six meter tall.

The flowers of most species open early in the morning and begin to droop and wilt by late afternoon. Most last only one day, but a few varieties have flowers that last two days or more. While most hibiscus flowers are odorless, a few are modestly fragrant. The hibiscus flower can be found in many colors and sizes, which will determine the specific type of flower. According to research information there are more than a thousand color options, but no blue or black in the true sense. The sizes will vary from 2 inch blooms to 12 inch blooms.

It is a beautiful plant. But apart from being beautiful, a hibiscus plant and flower is immensely useful too. Nobody knows whether the hibiscus really is a native of China as its latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, (rosa-sinensis = Chinese Rose) suggests or not. Many believe, it comes from India. This large shrub or small tree grows to 15 feet high. The toothed leaves are arranged alternately and vary a lot, but tend to be large, dark green, and shiny. This plant has a coarse texture and may be upright or broad and spreading. It is often many-stemmed. Flowers are glorious and huge at their best -- up to 6" in diameter -- and occur in many colors. Most are flared and have a bell shape and may be single or double, smooth or scalloped. They have a long central tube with stamens and pistils at the tip.

Commercial use.

Hibiscus cannabinus, or kenaf, is not a new crop plant. It was first planted and grown in Sub-Saharan Africa more than 6000 years ago and has long been commercially growing in India, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and more recently in Latin America. It has considerable potential as a crop in countries that fall within its tropical to subtropical requirements and could be grown in the southern United States as an environmentally sound alternative to soft and hard woods for paper production. Since it is a hair stimulator, it's a popular constituent in many of the popular brands of shampoos and conditioners and its fibers are used to make grass skirts and wigs in Polynesia.

Edibility.

Many plants of the Malvaceae, including hibiscuses, have been eaten as potherbs since early times, and modern researchers have discovered that some species are very rich in vitamins. Of course, extreme care should always be taken when introducing anything new to your diet. Even the comparatively innocuous genus hibiscus has species that may irritate some people. The diuretic action of some hibiscuses, for example, might cause kidney problems in certain individuals. That said, if all necessary precautions are taken, you should be able to enjoy edible hibiscuses without problems.

Hibiscus tea or herbal hibiscus tea is a popular hot beverage in many countries. Different color variants of the hibiscus flower are used for making jams also.

Sorrel is a very popular cold beverage that is consumed during the Christmas time. It is often drunk with hard drinks like rum and wine.

Due to the presence of Vitamin C in it, hibiscus extract is also used for adding a tangy flavor to certain foods and drinks.

Red-blue color of the hibiscus is a very popular food color that is derived from the dried hibiscus petals. The dried petals are then boiled in water to derive the red color extract from the hibiscus flower.

It is used as a garnish and a delicious vegetable in Mexican region.

Medicinal Value.

It has medicinal properties that are helpful in treating dandruff, hemorrhoids and blood pressure irregularities. Loss of appetite, indigestion, and respiration problems can also be treated by hibiscus extracts. Use caution and consult a physician before using any hibiscus medicinally or for other health purposes. Pregnant women should avoid Hibiscus species altogether, as some appear to have abortive effects.

  Previously these plants were found as an ornamental plant on each and every houses of Kerala. But today I think we lose this plant also along with our tradition. This article is about use of certain species of shoe flowers that we see commonly in India and abroad.

1)    Hibiscus acetosella (Cranberry hibiscus)

Cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is an angiosperm of the genus Hibiscus L. or rosemallow. The word acetosella is of Latin origin and is derived from an old name for sorrel (Oxalis) which comes from the sour taste experienced when eating the young leaves of the plant. Hibiscus acetosella is also known colloquially as African rosemallow, false roselle, maroon mallow, cranberry hibiscus, red leaved hibiscus, and red shield hibiscus. It is one of the approximately 200–300 species that are seen in sub-tropic and tropic regions. This ornamental is usually found in abandoned fields or open areas, marshes, and forest clearings. Cranberry hibiscus is a member of a perennial group known as hardy hibiscus. In contrast to the tropical hibiscus, hardy hibiscus can tolerate colder conditions, are more vigorous, longer lasting, and have larger flowers. In colder climates, Hibiscus acetosella is easily an annual, but is often regarded as a perennial to zone 8–11. During one season, the plant can grow 90–170 cm (3–5 feet) tall and 75 cm (30 inches) wide as a shrub-subshrub.

EDIBLE USE

    Cranberry hibiscus is mostly known for its slightly sour or pleasantly tart young leaves which are commonly used as a vegetable, either raw or cooked. In South America, the leaves are used sparingly in salads and stir-fries. Leaves are eaten in small quantities due to acid content and because they are mucilaginous. Cranberry hibiscus leaves also contribute to the décor of various dishes since they retain their color after being cooked.

Flowers are used to make teas or other drinks where they contribute color rather than taste. In Central America the flowers are combined with ice, sugar, lemon, or lime juice and water to make a purple lemonade.

The root is edible however thought of as fibrous and distasteful. Contrary to similar species such as the Hibiscus sabdariffa, the calyx or sepals of Hibiscus acetosella is non-fleshy and not eaten. In Angola a tea made from the leaves of cranberry hibiscus are used as a post-fever tonic and to treat anemia. The plant is also utilized to treat myalgias by crushing leaves into cold water to bathe children. The plant is thought to contain polyphenols, a compound that combats reactive nitrogen and oxygen species or RNOS that are generated as a biproduct from the body`s inflammatory response. Therefore it is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases.

2) Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfort root)

Comfort Root is also known as Pinelands Hibiscus or Cut-leaf Hibiscus.

Plant is an upright, hairy perennial. Preferred habitat is savannas, roadsides, ditches and dense pine woods. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Leaves are long-stalked, palmately lobed with three or more veins arising from the stalk at the center of its base; toothed and squared.

The flower are solitary on a long stalk; yellowish white to creamy or snowy white. Flowers occur in the summer.

Fruit is a capsule (resembles a small pod of okra); bristly, with short barbs.

A pollinator, while making its rounds in search of nectar, touches the flower stigma with pollen from another flower.  In so doing it loses most of its pollen load.   To get at the nectar within it must burrow deeper into the blossom, thus picking up a new load of pollen - repeating the process at the next flower, the little insect has unwittingly achieved cross-pollination without much to show for a day's work.

Medicinal use: The roots contain mucilage and have been used medicinally as a soothing agent, hence the common name Comfortroot. Its latin name aculeatus means 'prickly' in reference to the sandpaper-like feel of the stems and leaves. Found naturally in sandy soil; bogs, moist pinelands, savannas, ditches and coastal plains from Florida to Louisiana, north to North Carolina.

3)Hibiscus rosa sinensis ( snow queen hibiscus)

The Snow Queen hibiscus is a large shrub with red flowers set against lovely variegated green, white and pink leaves. Large serrated edged flowers are red and are trumpeted shaped. The are often held in a semi-pendulous manner and when looked from the front, have a star shape. The floral tube is outrageously long and is covered in yellow stamens. This plant grows dense and large. The variegated leaves change color with age, and when planted in more sun, often hold on to the red and pink colors better.

Tropical hibiscus is heat tolerant and prefers neutral to acidic, well-drained soil and full sun. A staple of both tropical and temperate landscapes, these vibrantly blooming plants can be grown in mixed borders, or in large containers that can be moved indoors to overwinter if necessary. 'Snow Queen' will be showiest around other plants that are dark green or dark red with larger, bolder and non-variegated leaves.

Uses: flowers, roots and leaves, are anodyne and emmenagogue. They regulate menstruation and stimulate blood circulation. Flower extract has been traditionally used for liver disorders, high blood pressure and as an aphrodisiac. Young leaves and flowers are used in case of headache. Decoction of leaves, root and fruits are helpful in treatments of arthritis, boils and coughs, and  the  fruit is used externally in cases of sprains, wounds and ulcers. Hibiscus tea is rich in Vitamin C.

4)    Hibiscus Archeri

                          Hibiscus Archeri is an old hybrid between Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Hibiscus schizopetalus. The blood-crimson flowers of this plant render it a most striking ornament just now in the greenhouse; it would prove undoubtedly so were the blossoms produced with greater freedom. The rich shade of colour and the pretty fringed form of the flowers alike assist in rendering it most attractive. hibiscus are called "kembang sepatu", which literally means 'flower of shoes' ―perhaps in reference to the fact that hibiscus flowers were used to shine shoes in places like India) The growth habit is very attractive; the plant grows vigorously high and then at the end of the bending branches are the elegant flowers ―large and bright red, with a long flowering season.

Uses:  Ornamental for appearance, the foliage and flowers, the latter often worn as an ornament of hair.

5) Hibiscus arnottianus ( white rose mallow)

                     Hibiscus arnottianus is a shrub or small tree generally 15 to 20 feet in height though a few individuals will grow to 30 feet tall. These specimens can be up to 20 feet in diameter. Individual plants vary in appearance from open and airy to compact. The leaves are oval with a smooth upper surface and smooth or slightly toothed edges. The leaves are 4 to 6 inches long and often have red veins and stems.

The single white flowers are pinwheel shaped, up to 4 inches across, and borne at the ends of the branches. The staminal column is pink to red (except in subspecies immaculatus which has a white column). The flowers may be slightly pink or may age to pale pink, and are slightly fragrant. In cultivation, Hibiscus arnottianus blooms almost continuously.

   They contain three sub species

a)     Hibiscus immaculates (white rose mallow)

                                           is native to Moloka'i and has a white staminal column and leaves with rounded teeth. The leaves are 4-10cm long and often have red veins and stems. The faintly fragrant flowers have white petals 8-11cm long. The flowers may be slightly pink or may age to pale pink. Hibiscus arnottianus ssp. immaculatus is found in only in four populations on Moloka'i. It is the rarest of all and is listed as an endangered species.

Uses:

The flower buds of the white rose mallow were used as a mild laxative by the early Hawaiians. Also, the fibers of this tree were used for cordage

 b)     HIBISCUS PUNALUUENSIS (PUNALUU ROSEMALLOW):

 The Punaluu Rosemallow is also native to O'ahu. This is the most common of the three subspecies. Its a robust plant with leaves up to 25cm long and comes from the Ko'olau Mountains at elevations of 650 to 2200 feet.

5)    Hibiscus biseptus  ( Arizona rosemallow)

Arizona rose-mallow is a perennial shrub that is native to southern Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.

Although not common in Arizona, its natural habitats are canyons and dry hillsides at 3,000 to 4,500 feet.

Like its relative Hibiscus coulteri, it has silky yellow flowers that are produced throughout the summer and fall,

but flowers are much larger than Hibiscus coulteri, measuring at least 3 inches across. They are semi-deciduous

during the cooler months and the palmate leaves will change to a bright red color signaling the arrival of fall.

Prefers well-draining, rocky soils or soils that have been amended with organic compost. Plant with other

summer and fall blooming plants such as Anisacanthus quadrifidus, Asclepias subulata, or Gaura lindheimeris 

     6)  Hibiscus calyphyllus (lemonyellow rosemallow)

Hibiscus calyphyllus is a dense, perennial, rounded shrub; up to 3 m high; the leaves are large, up to 50 mm in diameter, light green, soft and velvety; the flowers are lemon-yellow, large, up to 100 mm in diameter, with a deep red to blackish centre; the fruit is a papery capsule that splits open to reveal hairy to hairless seeds. It is fairly fast growing and will flower repeatedly, the flowers lasting for a reasonable amount of time. Flowering time: all year round, but mainly from January to April.

Use: In addition to being a popular garden subject, Hibiscus calyphyllus is apparently also a source of food in the Okavango Delta, where the flowers are cooked and eaten when there is a shortage of food.            

7)    Hibiscus canabinus (brown Indian hemp)

Kenaf [etymology: Persian],[1] Hibiscus cannabinus, is a plant in the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus cannabinus is in the genus Hibiscus and is probably native to southern Asia, though its exact natural origin is unknown. The name also applies to the fibre obtained from this plant. Kenaf is one of the allied fibres of jute and shows similar characteristics.        

Use: Leaves used as purgative.

- In Gambia, infusion of leaves used for coughs.

- Flowers used for biliousness and constipation.

- Seeds oil used externally for pains and bruises; and internally as an aphrodisiac.

- In India and Africa, used for blood and throat disorders, bilious conditions, fever and puerperium.

8) hibiscus clayi (red kaur rose mellow)

          

An endangered tree that is endemic to dry forests in the mountains on the island of Kaua'i. Only one naturally occurring population of four individual plants remain intact. However, habitat protection efforts and propagation of plants in botanical gardens are slowly increasing the number of plants found in forest reserves and gardens.

9) Hibiscus clypeatus (congo mahoe)

  

The Congo mahoe develops like a tree. Congo mahoe isn't an evergreen; during the summer it assumes a red colouring; the adult species are large in size and reach 17 m in height. The Congo mahoe develops growing in height, and develops a bare stem, creating a thick crown.

10)hibiscus coccineus ( scarlet rose mallow)

Hibiscus coccineus or scarlet rose mallow, is a hardy Hibiscus species that looks much like Cannabis sativa (marijuana). It is also known as brilliant hibiscus, scarlet hibiscus and scarlet rose mallow.

The plant is native to a marsh-like habitat. It dies back during the winter and grows from 7-10'. In addition to the scarlet flowering variety, a white flowering variety is also known as the white Texas star or lone star hibiscus.

11)Hibiscus coulter(desert rose mallow)

 Perennial subshrub to 4'. Flowers to 2" wide and are yellowish-white with reddish area at the base. Flowers have 5 rounded petals forming a cup-like structure. Stamens are joined at the base and flare out along the style which is topped with 5 reddish-purple stigma lobes. Leaves are simple, toothed, and lobed to 1" long (basal leaves are not lobed and are up to 1.5" long. Malvaceae (Mallow) Family.

NATURAL HISTORY: Flowers may bloom throughout year.

12) Hibiscus brackenridgi (Ma'o Hau Hele )

The flowers are 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide and have 5 crinkled, egg-shaped petals, a yellow staminal column with a small, 5-lobed style and yellow to reddish anthers all along the length of the column, and 7 to 11 hairy, green, linear to awl-shaped bracteoles below the flowers. The flowers either have a solid red center or just have small splotches of red at the base of each petal. The flowers are followed by beaked seed capsules. The leaves are green, alternate, toothed, finely hairy to almost hairless above, and fuzzy below. The mid-plant leaves are either egg-shaped or have 3 to 7 palmate lobes like a maple leaf. The upper leaves are more lanceolate to oblanceolate in shape. The branches are smooth to wrinkled and spineless or covered with pustule-like spines.

This lovely native yellow hibiscus is the official Hawaii state flower. It grows in dry forests and shrublands at lower elevations. Different subspecies grow on different Hawaiian islands and vary in appearance.

The yellow-flowered form of the much more common Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is similar, but it has non-lobed leaves and the central staminal column of its flowers has a larger 5-lobed style and anthers only near the tip of the column.

Special Characteristics

Legal Status – Protected Plant (Endangered). Although few plants remain in the wild due to overgrazing by non-native animals, competition with non-native weeds, fire, and land development, cultivated Ma'o Hau Hele can be found growing in Hawaiian gardens. The Ma'o Hau Hele plants sold in nurseries are mainly the subspecies Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. brackenridgei from the Big Island of Hawaii.

13) Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River Rosemallow)

Finely divided leaves on stems to 7' long. White flowers, 3 to 6" diameter, with deep purple eyes, in summer. Multiple stems from a thick base. Likes moist soils. Native to Texas. Now exists in only 3 wetlands in the wild

14) Hibiscus denudatus (: Paleface, Rock Hibiscus)

Hibiscus denudatus (common names: Paleface, Rock Hibiscus) is a perennial shrub of the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is in the rosemallow genus, Hibiscus. The form of the plant is somewhat straggly vertical branches reaching 2–4 feet (1.5 m), and not always a wide, full shrub. The leaves are small to 1½ in and about the same in width, and finely toothed. The leaves are a medium yellow green, hairy-surfaced, and elliptical to ovoid in shape.

The flower is a pale white, hence the name paleface, or pale light lavender to light pink. The petals can be rice paper thin, and on some plants nearly translucent; the flower petals are broad and roundish, also overlapping; the entire flower is a broad cup shape. One vertical branch will often have a terminal flower, and axial flowers along the branch. The flowers will bloom depending on seasonal temperatures starting in January to the end of late summer/fall in October.

The plant can be found in desert washes, also rocky slopes, and mesas, up to 2,000 feet (610 m) elevation. In the southwest Arizona deserts in the western Sonoran Desert, it can be found in the desert washes with desert lavender which has a similar color and shaped leaf; the desert lavender often blooms before Rock Hibiscus.

It is found in the southwest of North America in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico in the states of extreme southeast California, southern Nevada, southern Arizona and New Mexico, southwest Texas, Baja California-north, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila. It can be found in the Colorado and Sonoran Deserts, and in the east to the Chihuahuan Desert.

In California, Rock Hibiscus is exclusive to the southeast, the Colorado Desert-(northwestern Sonoran Desert) and neighboring Baja California state, Mexico.

15) Hibiscus elatus(mahoe)

The Talipariti elatum tree is quite attractive with its straight trunk, broad green leaves and hibiscus-like flowers. It grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20 metres (66 ft) or more in height. The attractive flower changes color as it matures, going from bright yellow to orange red and finally to crimson.

The name Mahoe is derived from a Carib word. The ‘blue’ refers to blue-green streaks in the polished wood, giving it a distinctive appearance. The Blue Mahoe is a beautiful and durable timber that is widely used for cabinet making and also for making decorative objects such as picture frames, bowls and wood carvings.

The inner bark of the tree is often referred to as Cuba bark because it was formerly used for tying bundles of Havana cigars.[citation needed]

The wood has a musical quality and has been traditionally used in the making of cuatros, a type of lute. Fine boxes, furniture, inlay works, floors, details, turned pieces, exquisite jewelleries, sculptures, and ancient board games, have been, and demand to be transformed from the Mahoe. Architects, furniture-makers, designers, artists and wood lovers will find a charm in working with this wood. It has fine sanding and turning qualities, and a natural gloss in the wood when finely finished. The wood is not usually blue, but brown. In some lumber there can be grey, green, black, blue and purple colors all combined in just one small piece. Growing conditions may be responsible for the color variations but this has not been proven.

Tropic Ventures Rainforest Enrichment and Sustainable Forestry Project, an experimental sustainable forest project near Patillas, Puerto Rico, currently raises and harvests Blue Mahoe.

16)Hibiscus furcellatus  ( lindenleaf rosemallow)

 Lindenleaf Rosemallow grows like a Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb. Lindenleaf Rosemallow is an Perennial. Lindenleaf Rosemallow is Native to U.S.. Lindenleaf Rosemallow is of the category, Dicot.

17) Hibiscus grandiflorus Michx. (swamp rosemallow)

Hibiscus grandiflorus is found in the southeastern United States (Texas, Louisiana, Missisippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia), and also in Cuba.

Hibiscus urbanii Helwig is a synonym of Hibiscus grandiflorus

18)  Hibiscus kokio Hillebr.(red rosemallow)

 known by the common Hawaiian name Koki'o, grows as either a shrub or a small tree growing from 3 to 7 m in height.

19) Hibiscus laevis (halberdleaf rosemallow)

Hibiscus laevis (syn. Hibiscus militaris), the halberd-leaf rosemallow, is a herbaceous perennial flower native to central and eastern North America. Their showy, creamy-white or pink flowers are large, up to 15 cm, and are hard to miss. These flowers require exposure to sunlight to open up properly, and then last only a single day.

The unbranched stems of this plant are round and hairless, frequently growing to 2 m tall and sometimes taller. The root system includes a taproot.

The hairless leaves are alternate, 7–15 cm long, divided into 3-5 pointed lobes (cleft) and have serrate or crenate edges. They are simple and pointed at the tip. The leaves with three lobes resemble a medieval halberd because the middle lobe is much larger than the two side lobes. The five-lobed leaves also look like halberds or daggers.

Flowers are solitary or occur in small clusters at the tops of the upper stems. They are fairly large, with a diameter of about 15 cm when fully open. They are mostly white or light pink, but the inside throat of the flower is often maroon or a rich purplish pink color. Each flower has five petals with five hairless green sepals below. There are numerous stamens, all attached to a central column. The pistils have superior ovaries and five stigmas protruding from the central column in the flower. The fruit is an ovoid capsule containing many seeds.

The blooming period can occur from mid-summer to early fall (June to September) and lasts about a month. Each flower lasts only a single day. This plant spreads by reseeding itself. The stalks die down in the winter and grow back in the spring.

This plant prefers full or partial sun and moist conditions. It can grow in sand or clay with sufficient moisture, and can tolerate poor drainage. They are frequently found along streams, ponds and lakes and in marshy areas, roadside ditches, and sometimes in shallow standing water.

The seeds of this plant are eaten by waterfowl and Bobwhite quail.

20)Hibiscus lasiocarpos (rosemallow)

Hibiscus lasiocarpos, a dicot, is a perennial herb (rhizomatous) that is native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to North America.

 It was included in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants

21) Hibiscus lunariifolius Willd(hibiscus)

Shrubs, densely covered with soft spreading hairs. Leaves 7-16 x 6-18 cm, shallowly 3-5- lobed, cordate at base; lobes acute to acuminate, serrate, stellate-hairy; petiole to 25 cm long. Flowers axillary or terminal, racemose; bracts 25 x 3 mm, linear-lanceolate; calyx 15 mm long, campanulate, lobes acuminate; corolla 7-10 cm across, yellow with brown eye. Capsule 2 x 1.5 cm, ovoid, obtuse, cuspidate, stellate-hairy; seeds 2.5 x 2 mm, rugose.

22)  Hibiscus martianus Zucc. ( heartleaf rosemallow)

A leafy-stemmed perennial, growing1-3 ft. depending on moisture. Prolific, red, 2-3 in. solitary flowers occur at branch tips. The leaves are silvery and heart-shaped.

Flowers during the hottest part of the season when other plants are not showy. This plant is everblooming if there is no frost.

23)  Hibiscus moscheutos ( crimsoneyed rosemallow)

  Hibiscus moscheutos L. (crimsoneyed rosemallow) is a winter-hardy plant native to the north-east, south-east, south, and south-west USA and south-west Canada crimsoneyed rosemallow is a multi-stemmed, shrub-like herbaceous perennial that grows up to 7 ft (2.1m) tall. It dies back in winter and re-sprouts in spring. The leaves are usually without lobes, 2-3 in (5-8 cm) wide by 6-8 in (15-20 cm) long, velvety (pubescent) beneath and smooth (glabrous) on top. The flowers are about 6 in (15 cm) across, with white or pink petals and crimson centers. The flowers last for one day only, but the plants bloom continuously from mid-July until frost. Some have heart-shaped leaves and huge flowers and come in many different colors.      The hybrid "10-111-6" is distinctively different from the parent plant. It has dual-colored flower, with dark pink petal edges (upper and bottom sides), gradually fading to light pink color of the remaining petal area, and red veins, 8 in (20 cm) in diameter. Leaves are dark reddish-green on the top and green on the bottom. Leaf shape is acuminate, tapering to a long point with irregular indentations. Petals are slightly overlapping. Stamens are located along the style. The anthers are white. The style and stigma are white. It grows about 3 ft (1m) tall. It produces a moderate number of flowers and has a relatively long blooming period. The value of this hybrid is in its exceptional flower color combination and foliage color.The hybrid "10-111-6" is winter-hardy (roots) in Zone 7 and will be winter-hardy in all areas where H. moscheutos is adapted.

24) Hibiscus mutabilis ( Dixie rosemallow)

Hibiscus mutabilis, also known as the Confederate rose or the cotton rosemallow, is a plant noted for its flowers. Leaves and flowers of H. mutabilis are emollient and cooling, and are used to treat swellings and skin infections (Dasuki, 2001). Mucilage from flowers and leaves is used by midwives to facilitate delivery during labour. Confederate roses tend to be shrubby or treelike in Zones 9 and 10, though it behaves more like a perennial further north. Flowers can be double or single and are 4 to 6 inches in diameter; they open white or pink, and change to deep red by evening. The 'Rubra' variety has red flowers. Single blooming flowers are generally cup-shaped. Bloom season usually lasts from summer through fall. Propagation by cuttings root easiest in early spring, but cuttings can be taken at almost any time. When it does not freeze, the Confederate rose can reach heights of 15 to 18 feet with a woody trunk; however, a much bushier, 5 or 6 feet plant is more typical and provides more flowering. These plants have a very fast growth rate. The Confederate rose was at one time very common in the area of the Confederate States of America, which is how its common name was derived. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Flowers are white in the morning, turning pink during noon and red in the evening of the same day. Under laboratory conditions, colour change of petals was slower than that of flowers under outdoor conditions (Wong et al., 2009). Temperature may be an important factor affecting the rate of colour change as white flowers kept in the refrigerator remain white until they are taken out to warm, whereupon they slowly turn pink (Ng, 2006).

The red flowers remain on plants for several days before they abort (Wong et al., 2009). Weight of a single detached flower was 15.6 g when white, 12.7 g when pink and 11.0 g when red. Anthocyanin content of red flowers was 3 times that of pink flowers and 8 times that of white flowers. There was a significant increase in phenolic content with colour change. Overall ranking of AOP of H. mutabilis flowers was red > pink > white.

Subramanian and Nair (1970) postulated that anthocyanins in pink and red flowers of H. mutabilis are synthesized independently since there is no reduction in phenolic content. However, Lowry (1976) suggested that anthocyanins are formed through direct conversion from flavonols as they have structural similarities.

In ancient China, the flowers are believed to resemble beautiful ladies.A Chinese proverb runs: "Cotton rosemallow out of the Water"(出水芙蓉), meaning a young lady of appreciated beauty. Certain number of historical painting depicting beautiful young women are also titled as such by their respective painters.

25)Hibiscus pernambucensis Arruda –(seaside mahoe)

 

Seaside mahoe is native to coastal areas

of Bermuda, southern Florida, the Bahamas, the

Greater and Lesser Antilles, and from Mexico

through Brazil on the Atlantic Coast and in Pacific

coastal areas from Mexico to PeruSeaside mahoe is also

known as sea hibiscus and rope mangrove in

English, emajagua and majagua in Spanish, and

mahoe doux, mahaut, and bois flot in French

(Howard 1989, Liogier 1994). It is a large shrub or

occasionally a small tree. The species normally

grows in tangled thickets formed by stems that sag

until they touch the ground and form roots.

Simultaneously, sprouts arise from the horizontal

stems and grow upward until they in turn become

prostrate. Occasionally, especially on dry ground,

open-grown individuals grow in a tree-like habit.

Adult plants have an aggressive lateral root system

with abundant fine roots. The bark of the limbs

and trunks is gray and smooth, but can become

furrowed and scaly in old stems. The leaves are

nearly round (10 to 15 cm in diameter) except for a

deeply cordate base and a pointed tip. The petioles

are long (6 to 9 cm). Seaside mahoe produces large

yellow flowers that change to orange or red as they

age. Soon after, 2-cm long, hairy, cone-shaped

capsules develop, and upon drying, split open along five lines to release their seeds. —The fibrous inner bark was formerly

used to make ropes, cords, fish nets, floats, cloth,

and mats. It is still used for emergency ties and

lashings. The wood is used for fuel in

underdeveloped areas (National Academy of

Sciences 1983). The flowers make a colorful and

tasty addition to salads and can be cooked as a

vegetable (Workman 1980). The young leaves,

bark, and roots were reportedly used for food

during famines in former times (Little and

Wadsworth 1964). Bees make honey from the

nectar. The plant is used as an ornamental and to

stabilize stream banks (Workman 1980).

26) Hibiscus poeppigii ( Poeppig's rosemallow)

Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. Also wildflower gardens in the Florida Keys.

Availability:

Grown by enthusiasts.

Description:

Medium to large herbaceous wildflower, rarely woody at the base.

Dimensions:

About 1-4 feet in height. Usually taller than broad or forming small masses about as broad as tall.

Growth Rate:

Moderate.

Range:

Monroe and Miami-Dade counties; West Indies, Mexico and Guatemala. Rare in the Monroe County Keys, where mostly restricted to coastal rock barrens. On the mainland, known only from Long Pine Key in Everglades National Park in Miami-Dade County and the Loop Road area of Big Cypress National Preserve in Monroe County.

Habitats:

Rockland hammock edges and thickets.

27) Hibiscus radiatus (monarch rosemallow) 

Malvaceae

Group: Dicot

Substrate: Terrestrial

Habit: Herb

Perennation: Perennial

SOUTH FLORIDA Occurrence: Present

SOUTH FLORIDA Native Status: Not Native, Naturalized

SOUTH FLORIDA Cultivated Status: Not Cultivated

 28)Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. – shoeblackplant

29) Hibiscus sabdariffa ( roselle)

The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of Hibiscus native to the Old World tropics, used for the production of bast fibre and as an infusion. It is an annual or perennial herb or woody-based subshrub, growing to 2–2.5 m (7–8 ft) tall. The leaves are deeply three- to five-lobed, 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, arranged alternately on the stems.

The flowers are 8–10 cm (3–4 in) in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout fleshy calyx at the base, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide, enlarging to 3–3.5 cm (1.2–1.4 in), fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. It takes about six months to mature. The roselle is known as the rosella or rosella fruit in Australia. It is also known as 'Belchanda' among Nepalese, Tengamora among Assamese and "mwitha" among Bodo tribals in Assam, চুকর Chukor in Bengali, Gongura in Telugu, Pundi in Kannada, Ambadi in Marathi, LalChatni or Kutrum in Mithila] Mathipuli in Kerala, chin baung in Burma, กระเจี๊ยบแดง KraJiabDaeng in Thailand, ສົ້ມ ພໍດີ som phor dee in Lao PDR, bissap in Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin and Niger, the Congo and France, dah or dah bleni in other parts of Mali, wonjo in the Gambia, zobo in western Nigeria (the Yorubas in Nigeria call the white variety Isapa (pronounced Ishapa)), Zoborodo in Northern Nigeria, Chaye-Torosh in Iran, karkade (كركديه; Arabic pronunciation: [ˈkarkade])[dubious – discuss] in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, omutete in Namibia, sorrel in the Caribbean and in Latin America, Flor de Jamaica in Mexico, Saril in Panama, grosella in Paraguay and vinagreira, caruru-azedo or quiabo-roxo in Brazil. Rosela in Indonesia, asam belanda[1] in Malaysia. In Chinese it is 洛神花 (Luo Shen Hua) . In Zambia the plant is called lumanda in ciBemba, katolo in kiKaonde, or wusi in chiLunda.

The plant is considered to have antihypertensive properties. In some places, the plant is primarily cultivated for the production of bast fibre from the stem of the plant. The fibre may be used as a substitute for jute in makingburlap.^[2] Hibiscus, specifically Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and cancer.^[3]

The red calyces of the plant are increasingly exported to America and Europe, where they are used as food colourings. Germany is the main importer. It can also be found in markets (as flowers or syrup) in some places such as France, where there are Senegalese immigrant communities. The green leaves are used like a spicy version of spinach. They give flavour to the Senegalese fish and rice dish thiéboudieune. Proper records are not kept, but the Senegalese government estimates national production and consumption at 700 t (770 short tons) per year. Also in Burma their green leaves are the main ingredient in making chin baung khaw curry. in East Africa, the calyx infusion, called "Sudan tea", is taken to relieve coughs. Roselle juice, with salt, pepper, asafoetida and molasses, is taken as a remedy for biliousness.

The heated leaves are applied to cracks in the feet and on boils and ulcers to speed maturation. A lotion made from leaves is used on sores and wounds. The seeds are said to be diuretic and tonic in action and the brownish-yellow seed oil is claimed to heal sores on camels. In India, a decoction of the seeds is given to relieve dysuria, strangury and mild cases of dyspepsia. Brazilians attribute stomachic, emollient and resolutive properties to the bitter roots.

30) Hibiscus schizopetalus (Dyer) Hook(fringed rosemallow)

Scientific Name: Hibiscus schizopetalus

Synonym: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. schizopetalus

Common Names: Coral Hibiscus, Fringed Rosemallow, Japanese Lantern, Chinese Lantern, Pagoda Flower, Skeleton Hibiscus, Fringed Hibiscus

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial, Evergreen

Growth Habit: Shrub, Subshrub, Herb/Forb

Hawaii Native Status: Cultivated. This ornamental garden plant is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Flower Color: Red with pink streaks, Coral pink

Flowering Season: Year-round but sporadic

Height: Up to 13 feet (4 m) tall, but usually less

Description: The flowers are dangling and have 5 fringed, deeply pinnately-lobed, recurved petals and a pink, pendent, curved, up to 4 inch (10 cm) long central staminal column with a 5-branched style and anthers near the tip of the column. The flowers are followed by oblong, cylindrical seed capsules. The leaves have a short petiole and are green, hairless, alternate, sharply toothed, unlobed, and elliptic to oblong in shape. The plants are narrow and have slender, arching, woody stems.

Here in Hawaii, Coral Hibiscus grows in moist, sunny gardens.

31)Hibiscus syriacus ( rose of Sharon)

Hibiscus syriacus is a large shrub or small tree, attaining a height of 4 meters or more, that is native to Asia. This species is naturalized in scattered locations across Arkansas and over much of the eastern US. Hibiscus syriacus is capable of self-pollination and subsequent self-ertilization, and juvenile plants are often seen in the vicinity of a single, reproductive age plant. Plants prefer exposure to several hours of direct sun per day, however, will survive and grow under conditions of increased levels of shade.

Numerous flower color and flower morphology forms occur, including some forms with "double" roselike flowers (these flowers have more than the usual five petals). Flower color can range from red to lilac, purple, or bluish, to completely white. The dark red pigmentation on the proximal portions of the petals is typical.

32) Hibiscus tiliaceus ( sea hibiscus)

Hibiscus tiliaceus is a species of flowering tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae, that is native to the Old World tropics.[3] Common names include Sea Hibiscus, Beach Hibiscus, Coastal (or Coast) Hibiscus, Coastal (or Coast) Cottonwood, Green Cottonwood, Native Hibiscus, Native Rosella, Cottonwood Hibiscus, Kurrajong, Sea Rosemallow, Norfolk Hibiscus, Hau (Hawaiian), and Purau (Tahitian). The specific epithet, "tiliaceus", refers to its resemblance to the related Tilia species. H. tiliaceus is a common coastal plant in Eastern and Northern Australia, Oceania, Maldives and Southeast Asia. It has become naturalized in parts of the New World, such as Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is uncertain if the species is native to Hawaii, as it may have been introduced by the Polynesians.H. tiliaceus can be found at elevations from sea level to 800 m (2,600 ft) in areas that receive 900–2,500 mm (35–98 in) of annual rainfall. It is commonly found growing on beaches, by rivers and in mangrove swamps. Sea Hibiscus is well adapted to grow in coastal environment in that it tolerates salt and waterlogging and can grow in quartz sand, coral sand, marl, limestone,and crushed basalt. It grows best in slightly acidic to alkaline soils (pH of 5-8.5).The plant lends its name to a coastal community in Cotton Tree, Queensland, Australia.

 The wood of H. tiliaceus has a specific gravity of 0.6. It has been used in a variety of applications, such as seacraft construction, firewood, and wood carvings. Its tough bark can be made into durable rope and used for sealing cracks in boats. The bark and roots may be boiled to make a cooling tea to cool fevers, and its young leafy shoots may be eaten as vegetables. Native Hawaiians used the wood to make ʻiako (spars) for waʻa (outrigger canoes), mouo (fishing net floats), and ʻau koʻi (adze handles). Kaula ʻilihau (cordage) was made from the bast fibers. Hau would be used to make ʻama (canoe floats) if wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) was unavailable.

H. tiliaceus, is widely used in Asian countries as a subject for the art of bonsai, especially Taiwan. The finest specimens are taken from Kenting National Park. Lending itself to free grafting, the leaf size is reduced fairly quickly.

33) Hibiscus trionum (flower of an hour)

Hibiscus trionum, commonly called Flower-of-an-Hour,[2] bladder hibiscus, bladder ketmia,bladder weed, flower-of-an-hour, flower-of-the-hour, modesty, puarangi, shoofly, and venice mallow,[2] is an annual plant that is native to the east of the Mediterranean in the Levant, It has spread throughout southern Europe both as a weed and cultivated as a garden plant. It has been introduced to the United States as an ornamental where it has become naturalized as a weed of cropland and vacant land.

The plant grows to a height of 20-50 cm, sometimes as much as 80 cm, and has white or yellow flowers with a purple centre.