Hibiscus

Nicholas Haley, Alexandra M. Revynthi, Hasmeen Abu, and Trent Blare

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a bushy evergreen shrub or small tree native to the temperate regions of Asia and an economically significant crop in Florida. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the market value of the ornamental industry in Miami-Dade County was $697 million, and approximately 25% of the production was in hibiscus. Demand for the cultivation of plants with minimal pesticides is rising due to concerns about potential adverse environmental and health effects. Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an alternative to conventional pesticide application. A broad-based approach, it integrates both chemical and non-chemical practices for sustainable control of pests. To help growers and other stakeholders determine the best approach to changing demands for pesticide management, this publication estimates the costs and returns of producing tropical hibiscus on an established nursery in south Florida using both traditional and IPM methods.

Norma Samuel, Xingbo Wu, Thomas W. Zimmerman, yMatthew T. Smith

The purpose of this publication is to provide an overview of the botanical characteristics of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, including detailed descriptions of the leaves, stems, reproductive structures, and roots. Sorrel is in the family Malvaceae and grown as an annual. The common names of Hibiscus sabdariffa vary by country, but some popular names are sorrel, roselle, and Florida cranberry.