Hibiscus flowers are prized in cultures worldwide, with references dating all the way back to mythological times. These short-lived but dramatic and exotic beauties traditionally symbolize youth ...

The flowers are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. The outside of the ripe fruit is made into chutney. Sudan: although a cultivated plant, intensive usage was reported during famine. Leaves were eaten ...

And if ever a flower was suited to our hyper-visual moment, it is hibiscus. Rather than remain a potted plant on the patios of grandparents, it has been adopted by the young and social media-savvy.