The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin dentate. The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet- shaped, with five or more petals, colour from white to pink, red, blue, orange, peach, yellow or purple, and from 418 cm broad.The flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are edible and are used in salads in the Pacific Islands. The flower is used as an accessory, particularly as a hairpiece. It is also used to shine shoes in certain parts of India, hence the common name "shoeblack plant".