Hibiscus

Hibiscus are among the most showy flowers of the tropics, with over 5000 varieties in existence.

History:

Although generally considered to be native of continental tropical Asia, it is believed to be 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 in the centuries of their Eastern migrations.

Because it reached its highest development as an ornamental plant in China, the species was given its name rosa sinensis.

Most cultivars were collected and shipped to Europe from there. These plants seem to have innumerable variations in colour and shape in both single and double, and the hybridizing continues to this day, which add much to the joy and interest of hibiscus fanciers.

Care and conditioning:

Hibiscus has a very short vase life and is more commonly used in warmer climates in wedding bouquets.

Health & wellbeing:

In India, when Hybiscus is crushed it turns black and yields a dark purplish dye used for blacking shoes. In parts of China it is used to dye hair. Hawaiians eat raw flowers to aid digestion and the Chinese pickle and eat them. Tahitian lore, the hibiscus worn over the right ear shows that a person is looking for a mate, and if over the left ear, a mate has been found.

Additional information:

Not Available