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Hibiscus syriacus - white

We continue our Malvaceae series with what may be the Hibiscus species most commonly used in gardens: Hibiscus syriacus. Originally from Southern China and Taiwan, it has long been planted in parks and gardens across much of Asia, and finally, in the 16ᵗʰ century, to Europe and beyond. It has achived this spread because, unlike most other Hibiscus species, which are of tropical origin, Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy shrub.

 

Beyond it's ornamental uses, the species' flowers, leaves and roots are comestible, different parts of the plant are used in folk medicine, the leaves can be made into shampoo, the fibres are used and the flowers have been used to produce blue textile dye.

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Uploaded on December 6, 2024