Hibiscus
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Hibiscus
Hibiscus, or rosemallow, is a large genus of about 200–220 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae (the mallow family, along with members like cocoa, cotton, okra, baobab and durian) native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, and woody shrubs and small trees.
DescriptionThe leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow, and from 4-15 cm broad. The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity. Some curiosities about hibiscus (Spanish) <gallery> Image:Hibiscus1.jpg| UsesA white Hibiscus arnottianus in Hawaii.
A red Hibiscus of Kerala (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making. Another, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean). In Mexico, the drink is known as Jamaican water or agua de Jamaica and is quite popular for its color, tanginess and mild flavor; once sugar is added, it tastes somewhat like cranberry juice. Dieters or persons with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic. It is made by boiling the dehydrated flowers in water; once it is boiled, it is allowed to cool and drunk with ice.http://vinculando.org/mercado/flor_jamaica.html In Egypt and Sudan, roselle petals are used to make a tea named after the plant, karkade. Hibiscus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Chionodes hibiscella, Hypercompe hambletoni, the Nutmeg moth, and the Turnip Moth. The Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship. The Gumamela or Hibiscus rosa sinensis linn flower has antifungal, emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant effect.[240] The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibers. They can be obtained by letting the stripped bark sit in the sea in order to let the organic material rot away. In Polynesia these fibers (fau, p?rau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs. Hibiscus, especially white hibiscus, is considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda. Roots make various concoctions believed to cure various ailments. The natives of southern India uses the Red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for hair care purposes. The red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall and dandruff on the scalp. It is used to make hair protective oils. A simple application involves soaking the leaves and flowers in water and using a wet grinder to make a thick paste, and used as a natural shampoo. Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico. The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Hawaiian women. A single flower is tucked behind the ear. Which ear is used indicates the wearer's availability for marriage. National symbolHibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower (Bunga Raya) of Malaysia. SpeciesAnother Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in India. About 200-220 species are known, including:
bg:???????? cs:Ibi?ek da:Hibiscus de:Hibiskus el:??????? es:Hibiscus fr:Hibiscus hi:?????? hsb:Ró?owa popla it:Hibiscus he:???????? hu:Hibiszkusz nl:Hibiscus pl:Ketmia pt:Hibiscus ru:???????? simple:Hibiscus sv:Hibiskussläktet vi:Chi Dâm b?t zh:??? Source: Wikipedia | The above article is available under the GNU FDL. | Edit this article
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