| The hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is closely | | | | placed behind the right, the girl is taken. Giving the |
| associated with the state of Hawaii. In fact, it is | | | | gift of a hibiscus bloom means "seize the day;" |
| known as Hawai's State Flower. While there are | | | | because hibiscus blooms only last for a short |
| over 200 distinct species of this floral plant, only | | | | period. |
| seven of them grow natively in the state of | | | | Hibiscus flowers may be found in many different |
| Hawaii. Tourists to the islands today may see | | | | colors, growing on plants ranging from bushy |
| many varieties of the hibiscus, but few of these | | | | shrubs to trees. Their wide variety of colors |
| are actually native plants. Other varieties have | | | | makes for beautiful hibiscus bouquets. Combined |
| actually been brought to Hawaii from other | | | | with the oversized flowers, hibiscus flowers make |
| tropical and subtropical climates around the world, | | | | striking ornamental bouquets. These bright and |
| where they grow as both annuals and perennials. | | | | tropical flowers fit in well with the decor you'll see |
| Hibiscus flowers are quite large, and are generally | | | | in Hawaii. On the mainland, hibiscus flowers are the |
| used for ornamental or landscaping purposes, | | | | perfect accompaniment to Hawaiian or tiki-themed |
| either using cut flowers or the entire plant. These | | | | decor, where they evoke the relaxed mood of |
| iconic flowers are often used in flower leis, though | | | | the islands. |
| other flowers, particularly the orchid or plumeria, | | | | In Hawaii, the most commonly grown hibiscus |
| are also popular for this purpose. The cut flowers | | | | species native to the Islands is the Chinese |
| are often found decorating the side of a fruity | | | | Hibiscus. This variety is commonly grown for |
| tropical drink. | | | | decoration, and is also used in distinctive leis |
| There are many unique uses for the hibiscus, too. | | | | destined for special visitors or important people. |
| The strong fibers of hibiscus bark can be used to | | | | This variety is the one known as the official state |
| make grass skirts or paper. This plant has also | | | | flower; it is also known as "Pua Aloalo" by native |
| been used for teas (known as karkady) and jams. | | | | Hawaiians. Some native varieties of the hibiscus |
| Some people believe that hibiscus extract will | | | | are very rare. The hibiscus arnottianus |
| relieve constipation or nausea. The flowers are | | | | immaculatus grows in mountainous areas of |
| used in shampoos, where they are said to | | | | western Oahu, and its flowers are large and white. |
| prevent dandruff. The seed of the hibiscus is used | | | | There are believed to be less than a dozen of this |
| in South America and in the West Indies as a | | | | hibiscus species left in the wild. |
| remedy for snakebite wounds, while the Xhosa in | | | | The hibiscus is a tropical plant that needs a warm |
| South Africa use the leaf to dress wounds, and | | | | climate and high humidity to thrive. If you plan to |
| the Zulu use hibiscus lotion to treat skin ailments. | | | | grow a hibiscus indoors to complement your |
| Hibiscus juice can be found throughout Malaysia, | | | | tropical or tiki decor, they must be kept in |
| where the hibiscus is the national flower. | | | | temperatures between seventy and eight five |
| It is so closely identified with the culture of the | | | | degrees Fahrenheit, and you must never let the |
| Hawaiian Islands that it is a very popular | | | | soil dry completely. In Hawaii, dozens of hibiscus |
| tropical-themed tattoo design. A type of hibiscus | | | | gardens have been planted with both native and |
| with large, red flowers can often be found in the | | | | imported varieties, becoming a popular tourist |
| hair of a woman. When placed behind the left ear, | | | | attraction. |
| the flower indicates that the girl is available. When | | | | |