Hibiscus x

hibiscus

The beautiful and unmistakable hibiscus flower holds positions of esteem in several cultures for use in worship and as symbols, and a number of nations claim it as their national flower. Here in the United States, it is the official state flower of Hawaii, representing royalty, power, and respect. Beyond the honors given the flower for its form and color, hibiscus is also held in esteem for its practical uses.

Hibiscus plants have fibrous bark that can be used for making rope and twine. In Polynesia, bast fibers taken from hibiscus stems have been used to make wigs and grass skirts. Bast fibers may be obtained by allowing bark stripped from the stems to soak in seawater until the extraneous organic material rots away, leaving only the fibers. Hibiscus cannibinus in particular is a widely used source of fiber for papermaking.

The sepals of Hibiscus sabdariffa are deep red and may possibly make a good substitute for synthetic red dyes. The sepals are also edible and have been used to make the popular hibiscus tea, known around the world as a mild medicine that has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure in prehypertensive patients. The tart tea is served either hot or cold and has a deep red, almost merlot, color. It is high in organic acids and antioxidants; in fact, it may be the source of more antioxidants than any other known plant currently made into a beverage:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a number of uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Among them is the use of an extract for ultraviolet protection when applied to the skin, and the application of crushed leaves and flowers to prevent or treat hair loss and graying hair.

A single red hibiscus flower tucked behind the ear is used in Tahiti to indicate the wearer’s availability to marry.

In the Philippines, hibiscus leaves and flowers are crushed to yield a sticky fluid, which is then applied to the ends of hollow papaya stalks used as straws to blow bubbles.

Hibiscus plants enjoy warm weather (60-90 degrees F) and mesic soil. For a hibiscus plant to bloom well, fertilizer should be added to the plant's soil. The flowers are beautiful but they are quite ephemeral, lasting only one or two days. If you are in an area where iguanas live, prepare to do battle or else end up with hibisticks instead of hibiscus.