Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Hibiscus coccineusHibiscus malvaceae

• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

CULTIVATION • CONSERVATION • EDUCATION

Hibiscus and other Malvaceae: The genus Hibiscus is part of the Malvaceae, a taxonomic family that comprises thousands of species. Some members of this family possess considerable economic value, such as some Gossypium species (Cotton), while others are used as food sources, such as Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), used in jams and teas. Some species are used as fiber sources for jute and rope making, like Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf), and various Corchorus species (Jute). From times past (but perhaps to a lesser degree now), others supplied durable timber for woodworking, like some Talipariti and Thespesia species, and Hibiscus campylosiphon, an impressive tree from the Philippines.

Despite the undeniable value of the above-mentioned species, the worldwide fascination with the Malvaceae is credited to the unparalleled popularity of one of this family's most ornamental members, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars are the result of crosses (both ancient and modern) between a limited number of species (from Lilibiscus ―a section of the genus Hibiscus containing about 10 species), the majority coming from the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific. This complex hybrid group was derived from a number of species that included most if not all of the following: Hibiscus arnottianus, Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus denisonii, Hibiscus fragilis, Hibiscus genevii, Hibiscus kokio, Hibiscus liliiflorus, Hibiscus schizopetalus, and Hibiscus storckii. Sadly, nearly all of these (as well as numerous other Malvaceae species) are now considered extinct or facing extinction in their natural habitats. For additional information on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars, go to the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis page.

The biological diversity (biodiversity) of our planet is rapidly decreasing in great part due to the direct and indirect consequences of human activity. Ironically, it is also through human activity and intervention that threatened and endangered species are offered their best chances for survival. Thankfully, in recent years, there has been increasing awareness regarding the profound importance of earth's biodiversity linked with the critically urgent necessity for human action to safeguard it. In the Biblical book of Genesis, we read "and the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it", (Gen 2:15), conferring on humankind a role as Earth's primary caretaker. This 'tending, guarding and keeping' is best defined as having responsibility for the care and protection of the earth (stewardship), and affirms our commission for the wellbeing of this planet's vast community of life. Ultimately, stewardship of the earth, and conservation of its ecosystems is the responsibility of all people, not merely that of national governments.

The main strategies for conserving species are commonly referred to as ex situ conservation (out of the natural habitat) and in situ conservation (within the natural habitat). Ex situ conservation is accomplished through the efforts of botanical gardens, educational institutions, private gardens, and even seed banks. Although ex situ conservation is regarded as complementary to in situ conservation, in some situations it is the only option, ―the last resort when in situ conservation is no longer possible due to habitat loss and destruction. Some of the plants presented on these pages have suffered that fate and are currently classified as extinct, threatened or endangered in their natural habitats. In order to ensure their continued survival, an applied approach of 'cultivation, conservation and education' must be promoted. It is for this purpose that the entries found on this site are offered. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, especially in regard to errors.

Concerning the Historical References listed throughout these pages, please keep in mind that portions of the infomation presented may be outdated or incorrect. In addition, any dietary or medical information should be regarded as anecdotal. These references are included simply because they offer a glimpse of the horticultural history that is attached to many of these extraordinary plants. ―GB

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus: The more common red-colored form

Hibiscus coccineus | Scarlet Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow, Marsh Hibiscus, Red Hibiscus

Hibiscus coccineus occurs naturally in swamps, marshes, and ditches near rivers and streams, from Georgia and Alabama to central Florida. Hibiscus coccineus is one of the largest and most striking of the North American Hibiscus. It sometimes causes a stir since leaves resemble those of marijuana ―but the resemblance quickly ends when the plant bursts forth with its large red flowers in summer!

H. coccinues 'Alba', also known as 'Texas White Star' or 'Lone Star'.

The Scarlet Hibiscus is a slender shrubby herbaceous perennial that dies back in winter and re-sprouts in spring. Established plants can have one to several stems up to 2m tall. The five petaled flowers are brilliant crimson red 2-3cm across. Each flower lasts only a day but new ones continue to open into fall.

Hibiscus section Muenchhusia: Hibiscus coccineus is another North American member of section Muenchhusia, which is composed of hardy, herbaceous, perennial Hibiscus species. Within section Muenchhusia, there are numerous naturally occuring forms as well as flower colors, ranging from pure white to deep red. Additionally, many cultivars have been released through the years into the nursery trade ―many of these cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars are hybrids of Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus palustris and perhaps even Hibiscus dasycalyx. In cultivation these species, cultivars and hybrids make an attractive addition to the garden, not only adding visual appeal but also enhancing wildlife value for nectar-feeders and birds. What's more, it now looks like a new era of hybridizing has begun for the cold-hardy Swamp Mallow family. For more infomation, see the following article: "A Blue Flowering Winter-hardy Hibiscus".

Historical Reference: Hibiscus Coccineus. There are many beautiful flowers among our native plants which the "Native Flowers & Ferns of the United States" and Professor Goodale's "Wild Flowers of America" are doing much to make known. Hibiscus coccineus, is just as showy as the Chinese Hibiscus, with the advantage of being hardy at least as far north as Philadelphia. A southern correspondent tells us he is about to put it on the market, and we are sure he will do good work.

   The Gardener's monthly and horticulturist
   Editor: Thomas Meehan
   Published by Charles H. Marot, 1881

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Hibiscus coccineus

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