Hibiscus

Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cooperi' (not 100% sure)
Common Name: Hibiscus
Family: Malvaceae

General Facts:

• Many species of Hibiscus are grown for their showy flowers or as landscape shrubs.

Food Facts:

• Dried Hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico.
• A primary ingredient in many herbal teas

Medical Facts:

• The natives of southern India use the Red hibiscus (one certain species) for hair care purposes. The extracts of the red flower and leaves can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall and dandruff on the scalp. It is also used to make hair protective oils.
• 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.

Interesting Facts:

• The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Bunga Raya or "Chinese hibiscus") is the national flower of Malaysia.
• The ma‘o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the state flower of Hawai‘i.
• The Hibiscus syriacus (Mugunghwa or "Rose of Sharon") is the national flower of South Korea.
• 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, pūrau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.
• 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. The flower behind the right is for someone who is looking for a mate and the flower behind the left is for someone who is taken. The reason for the distinction is that the heart is closer to the left side, hence your heart is taken if the flower is worn on the left.