Japanese lantern

A shrub with slender 'drooping' stems growing in the Rainforest Biome

By Eden Project

Eden Project

Japanese lantern, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

The flowers are delicate and pendulous, with pinkish-red petals that curve back over the flower. The petals have exquisite frilled lobes. Like many other Hibiscus species the staminal column is long and sticks out (exserted).

Japanese lantern, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

Various hibiscus drinks are made around the world. Tea, which contains vitamin C and possibly lowers blood pressure, is made in West and East Africa, Mexico, India and Brazil. In Jamaica a drink called sorrel is made from hibiscus flowers and other herbs, roots, spices and cane sugar.

Some species are used as a red food colouring, and dried hibiscus flowers are eaten as a delicacy in Mexico.

Japanese lantern, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project

This plant grows in east and south tropical Africa: Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania. Tropical conditions are the most favourable but the plant can survive periods of cold and drought. It will flourish in any fairly good soil and can tolerate coastal salt conditions.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
UK Gardens
From the smallest window box to the largest country estate
View theme

Interested in Natural history?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites