General Hibiscus Information
There are approximately 200 species
~20 species Asiatic, 6 European, a few from the Americas and the remainder from Africa, Australia, & New Zealand
Distribution: widely cosmopolitan, but abundant in the tropics (warm soil is generally preferred)
Perennial or evergreen trees and shrubs
Size can range from 2-20 ft.
Flowers: Solitary or occasionally in a cyme of two
large, conspicuous, & trumpet-shaped
Petals may be flared, cut or fringed; parts of five or more
Size can vary from 4-15 cm in diameter
Colors range from white to red to yellow to blue
Some have blooms all year, but others bloom primarily in summer or fall
Generally will only have a bloom for one day
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Stamen and pistol are often fused
and prominant Fruit: a dehiscent, five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe Certain species are used medicinally or as food Food: teas, condiments, jellies and preserves, okra Medicine: it is claimed that some will prevent constipation, bladder infections, nausea, high blood pressure
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