It is thought that the hibiscus originated in Asia and the Pacific Islands.

They were introduced to the United States by way of the South Pacific. Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and the national flower of Malaysia. Hibiscus belong to the Malvaceae or Mallow family. They are now one of the most popular and widely planted shrubs in the tropics.

The hibiscus is known best for its large gorgeous blooms. These blooms only last for one day on most varieties, opening in the morning and wilting late that afternoon. However, some varieties have been known to bloom form more than one day. Most hibiscus are odorless, but some varieties are slightly fragrant. They come in thousands of color combinations ranging in all colors of the spectrum, except no true blue or black. They are used mostly for their aesthetic purposes, but they have also been used to make dyes and in food. The blooms can either be single or double depending on the variety.