The China rose or hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linnaeus) is a mystery: it is probably native to tropical Asia, but no one is certain where or when the plant came into cultivation. The flowers are naturally reddish to crimson and deep red near the base of the petals. Cultivars of white, yellow, pink, and orange now exist.

The filaments (stalks of the stamens) are red and fused into a tubular column. The bright yellow anthers are arranged near the end of the tube. The style of the pistil passes through the column and divides into five stigmata. Hibiscus flowers are hummingbird pollinated. The anthers are in position to leave pollen on the bird's head where it is likely to brush off on the stigmata of the next flower the bird visits.

Hibiscus were once called shoe-black, "indicating the use of its flowers by tropical bootblacks, to polish shoes." (Taylor's Encyclopedia of Gardening, 1961) This was the single reliable reference to this use the author could discover. Nor could this author allow such a claim to stand without attempting experimentation.

One red flower (five petals removed from calyx, stamens, and pistil) did one shoe. The red petals became liquefied and slimy under pressure against the leather. The liquid dried and could be buffed within minutes. The right shoe of an old pair of black business shoes now appears much shinier than its 'sinister' counterpart. The tips of the thumb, index, and middle finger of my right hand were also a dark purple until liquid detergent and a brush were applied.