|
HIBISCUS
|
|
|
 |
The genus Hibiscus comprises about 300 species of plants in the MALLOW family, Malvaceae, and is found in tropical and subtropical regions. Chinese hibiscus, H. rosa sinensis, is a large tropical shrub cultivated for its beautiful flowers. Rose of Sharon, H. syriacus, is native to temperate Asia and cultivated in the United States as a large flowering shrub. The swamp rose mallow, H. moscheutos, is native to the eastern United States. OKRA, H. esculentus or Abelmoschus esculentus, is a tropical plant grown as a vegetable. The kenaf hibiscus, H. cannabinus, is cultivated in the tropics as a source of fiber variously known as ambari, gambo, decan hemp, or Bimplipatam jute; H. tiliaceus is grown for the same purpose. The musk mallow, H. abelmoschus, or Abelmoschus moschatus, yields ambrette seeds; the musk-scented seed oil is used in perfumes. The fleshy calyx of the tropical roselle, H. sabdariffa, is used in jellies, sauces, and teas.
|
