Semparuthi, gudhal in Hindi and japa in Sanskrit, is the Chinese hibiscus or shoe flower, a garden shrub with large red flowers that are offered to Kali and Ganesha. Its leaves and flowers are boiled into hair oils and rubbed in as a shampoo in South India. It is the national flower of Malaysia. The hibiscus tea sold in shops is usually roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, a different plant.
- Botanical name
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Tamil
- Semparuthi
- Hindi
- Gudhal
- Sanskrit
- Japā
- Parts used
- Flowers, Leaves
- Habit
- Shrub of tropical gardens grown for its large flowers
- Last updated
- 2026-10-30
How to recognise Semparuthi
It is an evergreen shrub, usually one to three metres, with glossy, dark green leaves that are toothed at the tip.
The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped and five-petalled, red in the wild form, but pink, yellow, orange or white in garden types.
A long column of fused stamens with a five-part stigma sticks out from the centre.
Double-flowered forms have many layered petals.
Roselle has deeply lobed leaves and fleshy red calyces.
Traditional use of Semparuthi
Ritual
Red hibiscus flowers are offered to Kali, Durga and Ganesha.
Hindu ritual practice
Household
Leaves and flowers are boiled in coconut oil for hair oil, and crushed leaves are used as a herbal shampoo.
South Indian household practice
Household
Crushed flowers were rubbed on leather shoes to shine and darken them, which gave the name shoe flower.
Indian household practice
Modern notes on Semparuthi
The red colour comes from anthocyanins, which turn blue-black on leather and change colour with acidity.
Laboratory studies have tested hibiscus leaf extracts for hair growth in animals.
Breeders have produced thousands of garden varieties.
Semparuthi safety
Hibiscus flowers and leaves are safe for hair use and worship. Do not drink large amounts of flower preparations in pregnancy.
Ecology and sourcing
Its exact origin is unclear; it has been cultivated in tropical Asia for centuries.
Sunbirds and bees visit its flowers.
It grows easily from cuttings.
Related plants
Also in Malvaceae
Questions about Semparuthi
Is Semparuthi the hibiscus in tea?
Usually not. Hibiscus tea comes from roselle.
Why is Semparuthi called shoe flower?
Its flowers were used to polish shoes.
Is Semparuthi good for hair?
It is a traditional hair oil ingredient.
Which country has Semparuthi as its national flower?
Malaysia.
Can I grow Semparuthi from a cutting?
Yes, easily.
Sources
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q159534 (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.