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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - L.

Chinese Hibiscus

Author	L.	Botanical references	74, 200, 266
Family	Malvaceae	Genus	Hibiscus
Synonyms
Known Hazards	None known
Range	S. E. Asia.
Habitat	Not known in a truly wild situation
Edibility Rating	3 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	3 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

An evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5m by 2.5m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers; Leaves; Root.

Edible Uses: Colouring.

Young leaves are sometimes used as a spinach substitute[177, 183]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Flowers - raw or cooked[240]. They can also be made into a kind of pickle or used as a purple dye for colouring foods such as preserved fruits and cooked vegetables[177, 183]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144].

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Flowers (Fresh weight)

• 0 Calories per 100g
• Water: 89.8%
• Protein: 0.06g; Fat: 0.4g; Carbohydrate: 0g; Fibre: 1.56g; Ash: 0g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 4mg; Phosphorus: 27mg; Iron: 1.7mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.03mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.05mg; Niacin: 0.6mg; B6: 0mg; C: 4.2mg;
• Reference: [218]
• Notes: 

Fruit (Dry weight)

• 353 Calories per 100g
• Water: 0%
• Protein: 3.9g; Fat: 3.9g; Carbohydrate: 86.3g; Fibre: 15.7g; Ash: 5.9g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 39mg; Phosphorus: 265mg; Iron: 17mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.29mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.49mg; Niacin: 5.9mg; B6: 0mg; C: 39mg;
• Reference: [218]
• Notes: 

Leaves (Dry weight)

• 0 Calories per 100g
• Water: 0%
• Protein: 15.4g; Fat: 3.5g; Carbohydrate: 69.7g; Fibre: 15.5g; Ash: 11.4g;
• Minerals - Calcium: 1670mg; Phosphorus: 520mg; Iron: 0mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
• Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;
• Reference: [218]
• Notes: 

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Anodyne; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Aphrodisiac; Astringent; Demulcent; Emmenagogue; Emollient; Poultice; Refrigerant; VD.

Chinese hibiscus is a sweet, astringent, cooling herb that checks bleeding, soothes irritated tissues and relaxes spasms[238]. The flowers are aphrodisiac, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant[240]. They are used internally in the treatment of excessive and painful menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs and to promote hair growth[238, 240]. An infusion of the flowers is given as a cooling drink to ill people[272]. The leaves are anodyne, aperient, emollient and laxative[240]. A decoction is used as a lotion in the treatment of fevers[240]. The leaves and flowers are beaten into a paste and poulticed onto cancerous swellings and mumps[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of carbuncles, mumps, fever and sores[218]. The root is a good source of mucilage and is used as a substitute for marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in the treatment of coughs and colds[240, 272]. A paste made from the root is used in the treament of venereal diseases[272].

Other Uses

Cosmetic; Fibre; Hedge; Polish.

The juice from the petals is used in China as shoe-blacking and mascara[238]. A dye is made from the petals[272]. A good quality fibre is obtained from the stems[74]. In warm sub-tropical areas the fibres can be up to 3 metres long, but in Britain they are likely to be much shorter. The fibre is used for coarse fabrics, nets and paper[74]. Plants are often used for hedges and screens, though since they are not very cold hardy they are not suitable for this use in Britain[200].

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a warm, sheltered position in full sun[200, 260]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is not very frost-tolerant and needs to be grown in essentially frost-free areas. It might succeed outdoors in the very mildest areas of the country if given a very sheltered warm position. Alternatively, it might be possible to grow the plant as a tender annual by starting it off early in a warm greenhouse. If well-grown it can flower and set seed in its first year. This species grows very well in a frost-free conservatory in Northern Europe so long as it is in a sunny position and free from draughts[260]. Plants will often lose most of their leaves in cool winters, though they will normally regenerate quickly as the warmer weather returns[260]. The flowers of Chinese hibiscus are very important in Hindu devotional ceremonies, being sacred to the Elephant God, Ganesh[238]. Individual flowers are short-lived, in many modern cultivars the flowers wither after 24 hours though in many of the older cultivars they can last for 48 hours[260]. There are many named forms, selected for their ornamental value[200].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If growing them as annuals, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and protect them with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well. If hoping to grow them as perennials, then it is better to grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year and to plant them out in early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Overwinter them in a warm greenhouse and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Cultivars

'Cooperi'

At about 10cm across, the flowers are smaller than most cultivars, but the plant is quite compact and thus suitable for pot culture[260].

'Diamond Head'

A compact form, and thus suitable for pot culture, it produces double flowers about 15cm across over a long season[260].

'Florida Sunset'

A compact form that grows well in containers, the flowers at 10cm in diameter are smaller than most other cultivars[260].

'Hula Girl'

A very free-flowering form, the flowers are up to 16cm in diameter[260].

'Lady Bird'

An upright form of average height, the flowers are up to 20cm across and are larger than most other cultivars[260].

'Norman Lee'

A vigorous variety of medium height, it blooms profusely producing flowers up to 20cm across[260].

'White Wings'

Its compact habit makes this form a good candidate for pot cultivation. It produces large white flowers to 15cm across and is frequently used for hedging in tropical climates[260].

Links

References

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[74] Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.

[144] Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976 ISBN 0-00-634436-4
A very good pocket guide.

[177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[218] Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

[240] Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
Very terse details of medicinal uses of plants with a wide range of references and details of research into the plants chemistry. Not for the casual reader.

[260] Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998 ISBN 0-330-37376-5
Excellent photos of over 1,100 species and cultivars with habits and cultivation details plus a few plant uses. Many species are too tender for outdoors in Britain though there are many that can be grown outside.

[266] Flora of China 1994
On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.

[272] Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Bárbara Aguila Gil Mon Jul 14 21:21:47 2003

The flowers from hibiscus rosa-sinensis are very for phytopharmac. I need more information Thank you, very much.

Bárbara Aguila Laboratorio Mario Muñoz

Link: napralert

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Ivan Sun Jun 12 19:22:36 2005

I am doing a research on the antibacterial effect of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf extract. This site has helped me a lot. On the contrary, I would like to ask for more informations especially on the checmicals present on this plant and their respective, specific actions. Thank you... Nice job!

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Jude Wed Feb 15 2006

I am a biochemistry student who is carrying out a research on the effect of aqueous extract of hibiscus rosa-sinensis on acetylcholinesterase and the possible use of the plant extract in the management of hypertension. this marvelous site has helped me in knowing so many things which is relevant to my research. I am not ungrateful, I appreciate but the initiators of this site should work harder in expanding their information especially on the discription based on the parts of the plant. Thanx

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Captain_62 Tue Mar 21 2006

i have just completed a biology assignment on the medicinal purposes of hibiscus rosa-sinensis and this site has helped alot, thanks heaps keep up the good work Captain_62

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Thu Aug 31 2006

can anyone tellme about its hypocholesterolemic effects..i amgoing to proceed my thesis on this.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Danielle Jackson Fri Sep 8 2006

This site has provided me with wonderful information relevant to my biology assignment. Not many sites explain the medicinal purposes of Hibiscus. Thank you, you've done a wonderful job

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

grace estrada Fri Jul 6 2007

i want to know if Hibiscus rosa-sinensis can realy polish black shoes. im doing a research of that.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

ApolloG Mon Aug 20 2007

New research on the aphrodisiac properties of this hibiscus is presented at www.aphrodisiology.com/hibiscus. The plant has been shown to contain phytoandrogens, plant chemicals that mimic testosterone. While it can reduce uterine bleeding, it can also interfere with pregnancy. Women of childbearing years should think carefully before using this herb.

Aphrodisiology Review of research on aphrodisiac properties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

tracytan Wed Nov 21 2007

i wanna know information of callus induction of hibiscus rosa sinensis coz i m doing that. any info of micropropagation of this plant? thanks

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

MANISH PAL SINGH Tue Jan 29 2008

this site very useful in my M.PHARM project work.thank you

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Kitty Antonik Wakfer Mon Mar 3 2008

Nice to see food composition information. However, that given for leaves cannot be correct at 0 calories if the protein, fat & carbohydrate values are as given. I'd like to reference this page as a nutrional source from MoreLife.org, and so would like to see the information corrected.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Cecilia Wed Jun 11 2008

somebody help me please, I need a jurnal of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

rj Tue Jul 1 2008

We are proposing a research regarding the antipyretic effect of hibiscus rosa-sinensis. We are searching more information and data that can substantiate our proposal. Can you please help us give more info and sources regarding this matter. Thank you!

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

SWATI YERANDEKAR Fri Sep 19 2008

The information given is very useful for my students of std viii who will be doing a project for forthcoming science exhibition.We would like to have more information about the drink prepared by using the petals of hibisus flower. Thank You! Swati Yerandekar Principal Ratanbai F. Pavri High School,Khetwadi, Mumbai 400010

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Rajeev kumar Fri Sep 19 2008

Hibiscus rosa is a flower but not smell in this flower why ?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Aparna Fri Oct 31 2008

Can I have some information on micropropogation of Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

CLAURENCE Sat Jan 3 2009

IT IS POSSIBLE TO TAKE AN ANTIBIOTIC FROM GUMAMELA?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

afshan Mon Feb 2 2009

this site is good and provide lot of information..i need some information about tissue culture/in vitro culture work done on hibiscus rosa sinensis for micropropogation or invitro culture

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

HILDA.K Thu Feb 12 2009

YOU HAVE MENTIONED THAT INSECTS POLLINATE THIS FLOWER CAN YOU MENTION THE NAME OF THE INSECT

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

trudi Wed Feb 18 2009

did any protocol is specifical to extract out the DNA of hibiscus rosa-sinensis?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

adidev bharti Fri Jun 5 2009

send me method of extraction and isolation of mucilage (polysaccharide) from the leaves.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Sanjeet Kumar(Gridih) Sun Jun 21 2009

Really it is more useful in hair lose.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

C.G.VENKATARAMANAN Mon Sep 7 2009

The leaves are used to substitute horse gram in making Idly and Dosa in villages in South India.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

jessa cedeno Wed Sep 30 2009

hi..im searching a topic for my thesis and this page give an idea..is it possible to make a shampoo out of hibiscus rosa-sinensis?or is there already a research on that and had already proven its effect?thank you so much..

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

mugunthan Fri Jan 22 2010

in my researfch im using leaves of hibiscus for treatment of hiv, it is mainly responsible for growth of wbc cells.;..

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