Hibiscus Flowers
Name : Hibiscus Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Hibiscus, (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.)
Hibiscus Description
Hibiscus is a genus comprising of about 200-220 species of hardy annual and perennial plants with showy flowers. This genus is classified under the family Malvaceae and is native to warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
Common names for this genus include Hibiscus, Sorrel, Rosemallow, "Swamp Mallows", Flor De Jamaica, Hardy Hibiscus and Dinner-Plate Hibiscus. Hibiscus syriacus is the common Garden Hibiscus, and is also known in some areas as the "Rose of Althea" or "Rose of Sharon".
Hibiscus is believed to have originated from India due to the fact that Polynesian people are supposed to have originated in India and may have brought the species to China and the Pacific during the time of their Eastern migrations. Hibiscus derives one of its names Rosa Sinensis due to the fact that it reached its highest development as an ornamental plant in China.
The charming Hibiscus flower is among the showiest flowers of the tropics. Hibiscus flowers are large, conspicuous and trumpet-shaped with five or more petals, and 4-18 cm in diameter. The colour of Hibiscus darkens with its age. Hibiscus is an ideal houseplant and can be easily maintained indoors as well.
Hibiscuses are bright striking flowers available in shades of pink, red, white, orange, purple or yellow; bicolour varieties are also available.
Hibiscus flowers prefer full sun and an average-to-wet soil and will typically bloom in late July or early August in northern climates. They are ideal for landscaping plans that strive for spring-to-fall colour since fewer flowering shrubs bloom at this time of the year. Hibiscus flowers are also known to attract butterflies and bees thus further beautifying your garden. Hibiscus can be used as colourful focal points in the garden or may be used as landscape shrubs. Hibiscus propagates by root divisions, cuttings and also by seeds. The Hawaiian Hibiscus bears blossoms almost every day, but these flowers are short lived and last only for a day even when on the bush.
As a cut flower, Hibiscus adds colour and texture to any bouquet or flower arrangement. Although it has a very short vase life, the Hibiscus is more commonly used in warmer climates in wedding bouquets.
Hibiscus Meaning
In Europe during the Victorian era the majestic hibiscus symbolized “Delicate Beauty”. In the Japanese language of flowers, hanakotoba, the hibiscus flower signifies the meaning “Gentle”. The stunning Hibiscus also signifies the meaning Consumed By Love.
Hibiscus is a very popular flower and Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea while Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. Hibiscus brackenridgei or the Hawaiian Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii.
Hibiscus Mythology
According to Tahitian lore, a hibiscus flower worn over the right ear shows that a person is Looking for a Mate, and if worn over the left ear, it symbolizes A Mate Has Been Found.
The beautiful yellow Hawaiian hibiscus is commonly known as Pua Aloalo or Ma'o Hau Hele in the Hawaiian language. In Hawaiian history and tradition Hibiscus symbolizes Old Royalty and is considered to bring great power and respect. Thus in accordance with this old tradition, state officials visiting Hawaii are presented with Hibiscus bouquets, similarly tourists are often presented with garlands made with this majestic flower.
HIbiscus has found some interesting uses over time: Hibiscus cannabinus, also known as Kenaf, is extensively used in paper making, whereas Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make a special kind of herbal tea and jams especially in the Caribbean. In Jamaica and many other islands in the Caribbean, this herbal tea is called Sorrel and is quite a popular drink at Christmas time. When Hibiscus is crushed it turns black and yields a dark purplish dye which is used by Indians for blacking shoes; similarly in parts of China this dye is used to colour hair. Hawaiians eat raw Hibiscus flowers to aid digestion and the Chinese pickle them.
