College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Synonyms:
Common name:
Specimen location:
Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus rosiflorus
Chinese Hibiscus
Additional common name(s):
Chinese Rose, Vermilion Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Clade:
Rosids
Order:
Malvales
Family:
Malvaceae
Biological Interest(s)
An evergreen shurb growing 1-3 meters, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers frequently in hot and humid conditions. Endemic to south east Asia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is grown ornamentally world wide, and is one of the most common plants to use in labratories for its flower. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis does not tolerate cold conditions.
Ethnobotany
Known as Raya Bunga in Malaysia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower on Malaysia. Each petal represents one of the 5 national principles set forth by the Malaysian government: Belief in God, loyalty to king and country, supremacy of consitution, rule of law, and courtesy and morality. The red coloration is meant to symbolize the courage of the Malaysian people. Taxinomically named by Linnaeus, the literal meaning of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is rose of china.
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