MERDEKA! The spirit of this word will once again resonate in our country as we celebrate National Day next week.
What better time than now to tell the story of how the hibiscus or bunga raya became our national flower?
First, here are a few facts about the hibiscus, which generic name is derived from the Greek word hibiskos. Belonging to a family of flowering plants known as Malvaceae, it has several hundreds of species which are native to tropical and sub-tropical countries. Colours range from white to yellow, peach, pink and red.
Our national flower is the red hibiscus rosa sinensis. In the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial, Kuala Lumpur, stands a plaque which explains the symbolism of this species of hibiscus as our national flower. Its red colour symbolises political and economical stability while, the various colours, sizes and shapes of its different species signify the multicultural and multi-religious races living in harmony.
The search for a national flower to represent our country began in 1958 when the Ministry of Agriculture requested proposals from the different states. Apart from the hibiscus, the other flowers proposed were rose, ylang ylang, jasmine, lotus, frangipani and bunga tanjung. Several factors favoured the hibiscus in the comparison to other flowers. First, it is well-known and flourishes throughout the country, being commonly used as hedge fencing in rural houses.
It is non-seasonal and flowers throughout the year. Last but not least, it grows easily and requires little maintenance. So on July 28, 1960, the “Queen of Tropical Flowers” was crowned our national flower. So, when gardening, think hibiscus in the spirit of patriotism.
Elsewhere, other species of hibiscus have also won the hearts of flower lovers. For example, Hawaii’s state flower is the yellow hibiscus and South Korea’s national flower is the hibiscus syriacus (a.k.a Rose of Sharon). Maga, a cousin of the hibiscus, serves as Puerto Rico’s national floral emblem.
To appreciate this flower, go to the Hibiscus Garden in the Perdana Botanical Garden, KL.
The two fountains and a four-metre high artificial waterfall provide opportunities for shooting breathtaking selfies you’ll be proud to post on Facebook. Within the garden, a colonial-style bungalow has been converted into an art gallery and a tea house. Another hibiscus park is in Sabah Agricultural Park in Tenom, Sabah.
The hibiscus is more than just a pretty flower. Ayurvedic physicians use its flowers and leaves to make liquid extracts for use as shampoo to promote hair growth. In many African countries, the fibre from the hibiscus plant is used as a substitute for jute. Hibiscus tea is consumed in many communities to relieve a variety of mild medical conditions. Last but not least, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) juice which is available at local supermarkets makes an invigorating thirst quencher.