Hibiscus flowerDried Hibiscus mutabilis flower as a Chinese medicinal materialPackaged petals of Hibiscus mutabilis

The hibiscus mutabilis has gorgeous and large, beautiful flowers. There is a saying that "the hibiscus in October outshines the peony". It is an important garden ornamental plant in China. It can be planted in clusters or individually in courtyards, parks, along roads, etc. It can also be potted and placed indoors for appreciation.

The flowers, leaves, and root bark of the hibiscus mutabilis can all be used as medicine. It is cold in nature and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood to stop bleeding, and reducing swelling and expelling pus. It can significantly relieve symptoms such as sore throats and swollen red eyes caused by heat-toxin, as well as vomiting blood and nosebleeds caused by abnormal blood heat. When applied externally, it can treat carbuncles, sores, and skin infections.

In "Shanjia Qinggong" written by Lin Hong in the Song Dynasty of China, there was a dish recorded called "Xuexia Geng", which was made from hibiscus mutabilis and tofu. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying and nourishing the stomach. In addition, the petals of the hibiscus mutabilis can be dried and used to make tea, cook porridge, and make soup.

The stem bark of the hibiscus mutabilis is rich in fibers and can be used to make ropes. It can also be applied in the textile and papermaking industries.

The root system of the hibiscus mutabilis is strong, developed, and intricately intertwined, which can play an ecological protective role in stabilizing slopes. Its root system has an enrichment effect on lead ions and can repair environments with mild to moderate lead pollution. In addition, both sides of the leaves of the hibiscus mutabilis are covered with long pubescent hairs, which can absorb and retain soot and dust, and has the function of decomposing and fixing polluted gases.