Description

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the China rose, is a large, evergreen tropical shrub of the family Malvaceae, of probable eastern Asian origin and now cultivated pantropically as one of the most widely grown ornamental plants in the world. In the Indian subcontinent, where it is designated as a sacred plant associated with Goddess Kali and Ganesha, the bright red five-petalled flowers and dark green glossy leaves are documented in both Ayurvedic and Siddha formulations. Traditionally used in hair and scalp care, women’s monthly wellness and nutritive preparations, the flowers are referenced in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu as Japa. In modern herbal markets, both fresh and dried flowers are traded for botanical hair oil formulations and Ayurvedic cosmetic preparations. The state flower of Malaysia, it is also traded internationally for culinary and cosmetic use.