hibiscus

hi·bis·cus

noun \hī-ˈbis-kəs, hə-\

Definition of HIBISCUS

: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

Origin of HIBISCUS

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use: 1706

Rhymes with HIBISCUS

meniscus

hibiscus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)—Sven Samelius

Any of about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants that make up the genus Hibiscus, in the mallow family, native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese hibiscus, or China rose (H. rosa-sinensis), has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus (H. schizopetalus), a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors. Other members of the genus include okra, rose of Sharon, and many flowering plants known by the common name mallow.