Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), known for their showy, trumpet-shaped blooms, and includes herbs, shrubs, and trees native to warm temperate and tropical regions. 

Here's a more detailed description:

General Characteristics:

Plant Type:

Hibiscus encompasses a wide range of plants, including herbs, shrubs, and small trees. 

Flowers:

The flowers are large, conspicuous, and trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals. 

Color:

Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and multi-hued patterns. 

Leaves:

The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, and often have a toothed or lobed margin. 

Growth Habit:

Hibiscus plants can be bushy, evergreen shrubs or small trees, depending on the species. 

Fruit:

The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe. 

Examples of Hibiscus Species:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus): A common species known for its large, brightly colored flowers, often red, but also available in pink, orange, and yellow. 

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle): A shrub with red stems and wide yellow flowers that turn pink and red, used for culinary and medicinal purposes, including hibiscus tea. 

East African Hibiscus: A drooping shrub often grown in hanging baskets indoors. 

Uses:

Ornamental:

Hibiscus plants are popular for their vibrant flowers and are used in gardens and landscaping. 

Culinary:

The flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems of some hibiscus species, like Hibiscus sabdariffa, are used for culinary purposes, such as making tea and other beverages. 

Medicinal:

Hibiscus has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have various health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and stimulating diuretic effects. 

Other uses:

The petals of some hibiscus species are used to synthesize black dye for shoe polishing.