HIBISCUS

any of about 250 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees constituting the genus Hibiscus, in the mallow family (Malvaceae), and native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese hibiscus, or China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), which may reach a height of 4.5 m (15 feet), rarely exceeds 2 m in cultivation. It is grown for its large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. Cultivated varieties with white, yellow, and orange flowers are available. The East African hibiscus (H. schizopetalus), a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors. Other members of the genus Hibiscus include the fibre plants mahoe and kenaf (q.v.), okra (q.v.), flower-of-an-hour, rose of Sharon (q.v.), and many flowering plants known by the common name mallow (q.v.).