The Difference Between Hibiscus and Abelmoschus

1. Different varieties

Hibiscus hibiscus is an annual or perennial herb of the Malvaceae family and the genus Abelmoschus. It has many nicknames, including cotton sunflower, false carambola, wild hibiscus, okra, yellow flower lotus, and chicken claw lotus.

Hollyhock belongs to the same family as the former, but not the same genus. It is a plant of the genus Althaea and is native to Sichuan, hence the name. It has some similarities with the former, but there are still differences, and it can be distinguished by the difference in appearance.

2. Different leaves

The leaves of hibiscus are deeply palmately lobed, with many cracks, about 5-9 deep cracks, and each lobe is oblong-lanceolate. The petiole is longer than the latter, about 6-18 cm long.

Hollyhock leaves have fewer lobes, with about 5-7 shallow lobes or wavy edges, and the individual lobes are triangular or round. The petiole is shorter than the former, about 5-15 cm in length.

3. Different flowers

The flower of hibiscus is light yellow in color, with purple inside. The flower diameter is about 12 cm, which is larger than the latter.

Hollyhock flowers come in many colors, including red, white, yellow, purple and other colors. Its flower shape is larger, but slightly smaller than the former, with a diameter of about 6-10 cm.