Fringed Hibiscus Flower

The Fringed hibiscus looks almost otherworldly with its petals deeply cut and curling back like lace or tassels. Because of that delicate, dangling form, it’s often called the Japanese lantern or coral hibiscus. Unlike the bold, open face of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, this one feels light, playful, and ornamental.

It doesn’t carry the heavy ritual weight of the red hibiscus offered to goddess Kali, but it’s often appreciated as a decorative bloom that brightens spaces and attracts butterflies. In folk medicine, like other hibiscus varieties, its flowers and leaves have been used for cooling teas and soothing remedies, though the plant is mostly grown for its striking appearance.