From Greek 'hibiskos' (marshmallow plant) — possibly pre-Greek or Egyptian in origin, applied by Linnaeus to the tropical genus.
From Latin 'hibiscus,' borrowed from Greek 'hibiskos' (the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis). The Greek form is likely a borrowing from a pre-Greek Mediterranean substrate language — possibly Egyptian, given the plant's widespread use in ancient Egypt as a herbal medicine and dye. The word entered Vulgar Latin and was preserved in botanical nomenclature. Pliny the Elder mentioned 'hibiscus' in his Naturalis Historia (1st century AD). Carl Linnaeus applied the name
The plant genus was named by Linnaeus, applying the classical name to tropical plants that resembled the Mediterranean marshmallow in flower structure.