Hibiscus

Hibiscus
Family	Malvaceae
Name	Hibiscus Spp.
Featured Plant	April 2006
Pictures: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus syriacus Hibiscus trionum Hibiscus diversifolius Okra   See also:  Food plants, NZ Natives, Trees & shrubs, Culture / Germination

Hibiscus is a genus of shrubby plants belonging to the marsh mallow family. The flowers have a characteristic central structure with five stigmas at the end and a number of stamens along its length. Hibiscus rosa sinensis is of tropical origin and produces showly colourful flowers. Hibiscus syriacus is deciduous and has mainly white / red flowers. Hibiscus trionum is a New Zealand native biennial that produces cream flowers with a block centre. Hibiscus diversifolius is another New Zealand native with flowers that look similar to H. trionum but the plant is more robust and is very spiny. Hibiscus esculentus, or okra, produces edible seed pods.

 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Yellow
Name	Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Common Name	China Rose

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is of tropical origin and is only half hardy. Flower colours range from white and yellow to red, and the colours in between. The flowers of some cultivars have two colours and some are even double.

This hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia.

Red	Red Bud	Pollen	Orange - Opening
Pink	Pink	Pink	Pink Bud Notice how the bud is red but as the petals unfurl, they turn pink.

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 Hibiscus syriacus

Flying Flag
Name	Hibiscus syriacus "Flying Flag"
Common Name	Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy deciduous shrub.

Flying Flag

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 Hibiscus trionum

Flower
Name	Hibiscus trionum
Common Names	Bladder Hibiscus, Puarangi

This biennial is one of the few New Zealand native plants with large showy flowers. The flowers only lasts one day but are produced in such profusion that the shrub always seems to be covered in flowers. They open in the morning and are closed by late afternoon.

Bud	Flower	Flower	Flower

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 Hibiscus diversifolius

This perennial is characterised by its numerous spines. It is only found in the far north, around swampy areas, and is quite rare now.

Flower	Flower	Buds

Culture:

 Okra

This annual produces edible seed pods, known variously as okra or ladies fingers. The pods are only edible when very young. Okra is used in dishes such as Gumbo of New Orleans cuisine, and in a number of Asian dishes.

Flower	Buds	Young Seed Pods Edible stage	Dried Seed Pods

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