Hibiscus the Tropics Flower
Hibiscus is a very popular plant, especially in warm temperature land. This flower is so easy to be recognized for the large and showy flowers, with five or more petals. Hibiscus grows in various colors, from white to pink, red, purple and yellow, and having about 4-15 cm wide.
The Hibiscus itself is a kind of national symbols and has special value in some countries. Like Rosa-sinensis (Bunga Raya or “Chinese Hibiscus) in Malaysia, or ma’o HAU (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is the flower of Hawaii, and many more
In tropical and subtropical land, hibiscus is very much used for decoration, to be planted in gardens to beautify the tropics garden.
Hibiscus for herbs, beauty, and medication
- White Hibiscus
Hibiscus, or rosemallow, is a large genus of about 200–220 species of flowering plants that is in native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs.
Hibiscus is also a primary ingredient in many herbal teas and medication.
Not only that, Hibiscus has been so close to ancient cultures and society.
- One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making.
- Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean). In Latin America, the drink is known as Jamaica and is quite popular. It is made from calyces of the roselle plant. In Egypt and Sudan, Roselle petals make a tea named after the plant, karkade.
- In Polynesia these fibers (fau, purau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.
- In India, the Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.
