Wings4dreamz: June 2014

Daasavaala, the Kannada name for Hibiscus (Japakusum for the Sanskrit lovers) is supposed to be God's favourite flower, especially goddess Kali. As per Devi Bhagavata (Hindu mythology), Jasun was a devotee of goddess Durga. When Gods requested Devi to assume the form of Kali and destroy evil, Jasun gave away the red colour of her flowers to the goddess's eyes so that she could show anger. Pleased by this sacrifice, Kali asked Jasun to ask for any wish and she would grant it. Jasun humbly requested that she should be able to serve her forever. Devi granted her wish saying that she shall be her flower and whoever offers these flowers shall be blessed by her. From then on, hibiscus is offered to goddess Kali.

Nature has rendered hibiscus with a myriad of lovely colours, colour combinations and petal structures. A bit of scientific information about it for those who have studied these during school days and forgotten - having all the floral whorls (sepals, petals, pistils and stamen ) and containing both the male and female reproductive parts, hibiscus is called a complete and perfect flower.

Some history and facts about hibiscus...
It grows in tropical and warm regions. Though the exact origin is not known, hibiscus are known to have grown along the rim of Pacific and Indian oceans for hundreds of years. Some believe that this originated in south China as it's botonical name is Hibiscus rosa-sinesis meaning, 'rose of China'.

There are more than 200 species of it. The flowers are stunningly beautiful and have vibrant colours. They are not limited to just looking good. Some varieties, especially red and white, are used in medicines, beauty treatments, dyes, as food etc.

Let me list some common uses:

Having bright and beautiful flowers, it is used as an ornamental plant.
Hibiscus tea is known to reduce high blood pressure.
It has high levels of antioxidants and is used for treating metabolic syndrome
It is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat various ailments....cold, cough, hair loss, premature greying of hair to name a few.
Has a soothing effect on the scalp.

All the beauty conscious people, read carefully:

Hibiscus flowers have numerous benefits on the skin as they are the natural sources of alpha-hydroxy acids. They can keep your skin looking young and fresh. Having the property to moisturise and firm the skin, hibiscus has earned the name 'Botox plant'. So, think again if you are planning any expensive botox injections...
The leaves and flowers when ground into a fine paste, can be used as shampoo and conditioner.
Ashes of flowers and leaves are applied to the eyebrows to make them black
Juice from the flowers are used to prepare natural dyes to blacken your hair.

(Disclaimer: I have not tried any of these tips :-) )

Chinese make pickles out of these flowers and eat. Some part of the plant are used for making jams, soups and sauces as well ..ummm.. yummy!
It is also called as the shoe flower as it is used for polishing shoes!

Did you know that it is the national flower of Malaysia and South Korea? It's symbol is even imprinted on Malaysian currency!
People of Fiji celebrate Hibiscus Festival annually for one whole week.

Well, here comes some interesting piece of information if you are a bachelor. Next time you happen to visit Hawai or Tahiti islands and find a woman tucking a hibiscus flower behind her right ear, you have found a prospective bride. ;) While wearing it on the left ear indicates that she is married or in a relationship. But beware! ... same practise in Kerala, rather southern part of India, is considered lunatic. ;)

I became interested in hibiscus flowers while setting up my garden a couple of years ago. Since then, I have collected pictures of different varieties of the flower from the garden and from the places that I have visited.

Enjoy the colourful collections...