A shrub with long slender branches up to about six meters tall. They are arranged spirally on the stem, ovate, have long stalks and measure up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. Flowers are borne singly in the axils of the upper leaves, usually on rather long stalks. They have an epicalyx of 5 to 7 bracteoles about 1 cm long. They corolla is short-lived of five very showy contorted-overlapping petals. Many varieties exist differing in size and color corolla, in single or double forms. The fruit is a capsule about 3 cm long.

Anodyne, antispasmodic, aperient, aphrodisiac, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient, poultice, refrigerant.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Plants for a Future

Checks bleeding, soothes irritated tissues and relaxes spasms, excessive and painful menstruation, cystitis, gonorrhea, feverish illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs, diabetes and to promote hair growth. The flowers are used in the treatment of carbuncles, mumps, fever and sores.

Sharma PV. Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants.