Hibiscus and Relatives

Hibiscus and its relatives belong to the large family Malvaceae which contains over 240 genera. The family includes several species of economic importance, particularly cotton.

There are about 24 genera which are native to Australia. The best known genus is Hibiscus which includes many well known garden plants based on exotic members of the genus. There are about 35 native species of Hibiscus.

The Malvaceae also includes genera previously included in the now obsolete family Sterculeaceae.

Common genera to be found in Australia include Abelmoschus, Alyogyne, Brachychiton, Gossypium, Hibiscus and Thomasia.