China Rose or Chinese hibiscus is called Gurhal in Hindi, Juba kusum in Manipuri, Athonba in Kannada, Dasavala in Malayalam,Chemparati or Cembarutti in Tamil, Jaswand in Marathi, Dosni Phool in Konkani. In Oriya we call it Mandaar. Its Botanical name is Hibiscus rosa-sinesis.
Hibiscus is a large genus containing over 200 species, including landscape shrubs and a variety of it is used as a vegetable and another type is used for paper making. It has very attractive foliage, good longevity, easy-to-grow and easy-to-maintain kind of plant. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis grows as an evergreen herbaceous plant. It is a native to tropical and sub-tropical regions; this plant is extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant. It bears large flowers on the bushy hedges. These enormous flowers are usually dark red in color and are not usually fragrant. It is found in different regions of the Asian continent. Humming birds are a regular sight in the hibiscus gardens. The plant has various medicinal, cosmetic uses e.g. to shine shoes due to their lustrous hue. It is used in hair care products, also to prepare dyes. It is also a cure for headache.
In all tantrik pujas this flower is an integral part. It is offered to Goddess kali and Durga as their favourite flower because the flower symbolises shakti or power.
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