Author 'Mimi' : Hibiscus yellow red heart These are plants known since ancient times: they were cultivated in Egypt and South-Eastern Asia for their ornamental character, but also for their edible fruits. Imported into Europe in the twelfth century by the Moors in Spain, some species were then introduced to America in the seventeenth century by slaves. South Korea and Malaysia have a hibiscus flower as national, respectively H. Syriacus and H. Rosa-sinensis. : 4: