What is the Scientific Name for Hibiscus?

Sep 28, 2025, 15:58 IST

The scientific name for hibiscus is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. As a recent 2025 study noted, researchers are actively studying extracts from various hibiscus species for their potential anticancer effects and as treatments for diabetes, highlighting the plant's growing importance in the medical field.

Scientific name for hibiscus
Scientific name for hibiscus

Key Points

  • The plant's scientific name is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
  • It belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae), which has hundreds of species.
  • New research is exploring its use for heart, kidney, and cancer-fighting properties.

Scientific name for hibiscus: Have you ever thought about what the official name is for that beautiful hibiscus flower you see all the time? We just call it "hibiscus," but this colorful plant has a scientific name that tells us a lot about it. There are many different kinds of it all over the world because it is part of a large and varied plant family. 

Hibiscus is more than just a pretty flower. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years and is now getting a lot of attention in health research. Researchers are investigating the potential health benefits of hibiscus tea for the heart, kidneys, and liver, according to various studies. This flower is more than just a nice thing to look at in the garden.

What is the Scientific Name for Hibiscus?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the scientific name for the most common type of hibiscus. This two-part name is part of a system used all over the world called binomial nomenclature. It's like giving each living thing a name and a last name. Hibiscus is the name of a group of plants that are very similar to each other. The second part, Rosa sinensis, is the name of the species that makes it different from other plants in its genus. 

This system helps scientists all over the world know exactly what plant they are talking about, which cuts down on the confusion that comes from different names used in different places.

Scientific name for hibiscus

A Look at the Hibiscus Plant Family

Hibiscus is a member of the mallow family, which scientists call Malvaceae. In fact, there are hundreds of species in the Hibiscus genus. You might know some of these:

  • Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also called the Chinese hibiscus or China rose, is the kind of hibiscus you probably think of when you hear the word.

  • The rose of Sharon, or Hibiscus syriacus, is South Korea's national flower.

  • Hibiscus sabdariffa is the species of hibiscus used to make hibiscus tea. It is also known as roselle.

  • Hibiscus moscheutos is the swamp mallow, a tough type that can grow in colder places.

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Interesting Facts about Hibiscus

Here are some of the most amazing facts about the hibiscus plant and flower you may not know yet: 

  • Some hibiscus flowers, like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, only bloom for one day. They open in the morning and close at night, but the plant keeps making new buds, so the show goes on.

  • Did you know that the hibiscus is the national flower of a few different countries? It's more than just a flower. The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is Hawaii's state flower, and the red hibiscus is Malaysia's national flower.

  • Hibiscus plants are a big draw for pollinators. If you want to bring wildlife to your yard, these plants are great because their big, colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

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The Origin of the Scientific Name

Carl Linnaeus, a botanist from Sweden, came up with the idea of giving animals and plants two names. This system is called binomial nomenclature. It gives you a standard way to talk about and sort living things, no matter where you are. The first name is the genus, and the second name is the species. This method lets scientists and researchers all over the world use the same name to talk about a certain plant. It is important for accurate identification in fields like conservation, agriculture, and medicine. It helps scientists around the world work together better.

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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is more than just a name; it's a key that helps us learn about and talk about this amazing plant. This system is very important for scientists because it helps them share their work and research and work toward goals like conservation. The hibiscus is important not only for its beauty but also for its potential to help people all over the world as we learn more about its medicinal properties.

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Harshita Singh
Harshita Singh

Senior Content Writer

Harshita Singh specializes in US affairs and general knowledge, simplifying intricate geopolitical and historical subjects into clear, digestible insights for learners. Holding a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Delhi and with over three years of experience in educational writing, she produces authoritative, thoroughly researched content that empowers readers to engage confidently with global current affairs. For inquiries, you can reach out to her at harshita.singh@jagrannewmedia.com.
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