I saw a pink hibiscus flower posted in Gaye Johnson’s photography blog. The flower looks like the type of hibiscus we have, only the color is different. Hibiscus or bunga raya (Malay) is the national flower of Malaysia.
There are many varieties of the hibiscus over here, but the five-petaled Hibiscus rosa sinensis was chosen above the others, as the most symbolically relevant. The five petals of the bunga raya symbolise the Rukunegara while the color red represents courage.
Bunga raya or red hibiscus flower is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in 1960) by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Checking from the wikipedia.org, there are probably many combinations (crossbreeds) and could have been resulted with thousands combinations on colors, shapes and form.
The acceptance of this great, colorful flower has enabled formation of a commodity for hobbyists. Some colors, such as blue & black are considered rare but it has began to surface via breeding. It is a common sight to find Hibiscus (Bunga Raya) as popular household gardening plants and along roads and highways in Malaysia.
Do you know that the national flower, bunga raya, is known for its medicinal properties? The roots of the plant are used as a cure for fever and other ailments, while the juice obtained from the leaves and roots is said to be effective in relieving skin eruptions and glandular troubles. Also, the petals were commonly used as cosmetics to darken and highlight women’s eyebrows.
My wife loves flowers. She has planted a hibiscus in the garden and now its flowers are blooming. I took these pictures to compare with the pink and red color hibiscus. I may post some more pictures on hibiscus flowers of different colors for the next posting.
13 responses so far ↓
Gaye Johnson // July 5, 2008 at 1:03 pm |
I had no idea there were five petaled Hibiscus,Chrisy. Now I must go out and see all the varieties that we have here. Such interesting information you’ve written. You have my curiousity up very high and now I’ll get busy and make more Hibiscus pictures here. Thanks !!
Gaye Johnson // July 5, 2008 at 1:07 pm |
OOOppppss, I just looked at our Hibiscus and,of course, they all have five petals… but your Hibiscus looks different, Chrisy. I guess I was thinking it was much different from ours…The color in yours is beautiful. That’s what I especially like about the Hibiscus – lovely, rich colors. I plan to visit a nursery to view what varieties they have.
AllSportsBlog // July 6, 2008 at 9:31 am |
Beautiful hibiscus flower picture! I like the second photo.
Quilly // July 6, 2008 at 4:45 pm |
You came by my blog and commented on my Hibiscus photos. Your hibiscus does grow here, but they seldom look as crisp and fresh as yours. I live right on the coast and the wind here leaves them looking ragged and weak.
Flying Saucer Hibiscus - Yes, it was that BIG ! « Gaye Johnson Photography // July 6, 2008 at 6:56 pm |
[...] has posted some beautiful Hibiscus and has also written an interesting story about them. I had no idea they were used for the purposes [...]
David // July 8, 2008 at 1:49 pm |
Cool. I hardly ever know the name of the flowers I photograph. And their medicinal qualities? Never. So this was quite enjoyable for me. Appreciate it.
Dale Ng // July 9, 2008 at 10:50 am |
Simple but very graciously beautiful Hibiscus or Bunga Raya as Malaysians call it. Yes, very well taken and the write-up is very interesting as well. Maybe you should search for a blue Hibiscus to photograph. That would be very rare.
visuallens // July 9, 2008 at 2:36 pm |
Gaye, Quilly, David and Dale Ng,
Thank you very much of your comments. I am planning to go to the Hibiscus garden to check for any photo opportunities for my next posting.
Bo // July 9, 2008 at 3:18 pm |
Beautiful flowers, such colors. Nature’s gift – one of her best.
Pin // July 11, 2008 at 10:16 am |
Hi there,
Thanks for sharing the beautiful flower found in Malaysia.
Thank you
Pin
rush // July 13, 2008 at 4:07 pm |
thank you so much for your kind comment on my white hibiscus photo. although i like the color white, my favorite hibiscus flowers are the red ones you posted here.
Hibiscus Flower « Blog Archive « Pixellens // July 30, 2008 at 2:43 pm |
[...] or bunga raya is the national flower of Malaysia. It is a common sight to find Hibiscus (Bunga Raya) as popular household gardening plants and along [...]
The Hibiscus flowers from Cameron Highlands « Visuallens // January 6, 2009 at 8:18 am |
[...] and the plant is much healthier with much bigger and greener leaves. It looks different from the Bunga Raya planted in our garden. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)The HibiscusHibiscus [...]