Many countries all over the world have selected and proclaimed certain species of flowers as their national flowers. These flowers symbolise their independent status and identity both nationally and internationally. The hibiscus is among one of the popular flowers picked for this purpose. Jamaica and Hawaii have also chosen the hibiscus as their national and state flowers respectively. The genus hibiscus belongs to the cotton family valvaceae, and has been dubbed as the "Queen of Tropical Flowers."
After having achieved independence in 1957, Malaysia also recognised the need to have her own national flower. In 1958, the Ministry of Agriculture announced this need and asked for proposals from different States in Malaysia. The seven species proposed included the common bunga kenanga, melor, terata, mawar, cempaka, tanjung and bunga raya. The bunga melor was highly preferred by the Western States. Without attempting to please anyone, on July 28, 1960, the Government selected and proclaimed the bunga raya or hibiscus sinensis. Several reasons were given to support its selection. First, it is well known and flourished throughout Malaysia, being commonly used as hedge fencing in many houses. The bunga raya is non-seasonal and flowers throughout the year. It also grows easily and vigorously, requiring little maintenance. The bright red colour of the flower signifies bravery, and the petals are beautiful and huge, and therefore are more outstanding as compared to other flowers.
The Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games logo was inspired by the Hibiscus Games, and symbolises the elements of friendship, dynamism and hospitality,. The blue peals are an abstraction of the alphabets CG; the red petals symbolise the numerals 98. The six pollen grains on the stigma represent the six regions in the world which the nations of the Commonwealth are spread. Overall, the stylized Hibiscus in full bloom represents a young, dynamic and vibrant Malaysia.
Besides being an ornamental plant, many species are used by various communities in various countries for medicinal purposes. In South America and West Indies, the seed is used as a snakebite remedy. The Xhosa of South Africa use hibiscus leaf as a dressing for septic wounds. The Zulu use a lotion prepared from the hibiscus leaf and stem to treat various skin ailments. In the East Indies and Senegal, the hibiscus seed is used to treat eye disease and dysentery. Hibiscus juice is an excellent thirst-quencher, and is available in major stores throughout Malaysia.
To introduce the bunga raya to visitors to the country, Taman Bunga Raya Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur Hibiscus Garden was constructed on an area of 0.9 hectare as a showcase of the different species. Owned and managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the garden sprawls over a hilly area of Taman Tasik Perdana which is surrounded by mature trees, making it most suitable for growing hibiscus plants. More than 2,500 varieties of the hibiscus plants have been planted according to its species and types all along the foot-path and terraces of the hills. There are also 55 types of hybrids between local and foreign plants, which come in a palette of colours and hues. The hybriding has been necessary as foreign species imported from Florida, Australia, Hawaii and elsewhere do not thrive in Malaysia's climate due to the heat and high humidity. So they had to be grafted onto local root stock, which has produced stunning results.
As visitors stroll through the rows of red, beige, light pink, yellow, orange and purple species of blooms basking under the tropical sun, the greenery and relaxing atmosphere soothes their frazzled nerves. Some of the blooms are as big as a saucer while a few are merely the size of a wrist-watch. Shutterbugs will definitely have a field day here. Along the pathways of ruddy brickwork, there are also clusters of rhododendrons, dancing ladies, yellow allamanda, ixora and helocinias amidst decorative lampposts.
At the summit of the hillock, a gazebo with spurting fountains allows visitors to take a breather. Nearby, a well-preserved colonial building housing a gallery-cafe offers air-conditioned comfort. Visitors sip Cappuccino or local coffee and admire the countless water colour and oil paintings on display and for sale. From the Hibiscus Garden follow a sign along a pathway that leads to Orchid Garden. An orchid bazaar opens every Sunday, offering countless varieties of plants. Take home your favourite orchid plants or blooms or compare notes with other orchid growers.
Another similar hibiscus garden is found on Penang island. The Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hibiscus and Reptile Garden is located at Persiaran Bukit Jambul, close to Hotel Equatorial and only ten minutes' drive from Penang International Airport. Penang has also chosen the hibiscus as its State flower.
The park is a veritable green paradise with man-made ponds, gushing fountains, snaking streams, reptile sanctuary, aviary and arboretum. The pride of the park is a vermillion red hybrid hibiscus named Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, after Malaysia's former Prime Minister. It was created by orchidist Michael Ooi, who together with his brother Gino, are founders of the park. Another peachy bloom is named in honour of HRH The Sultaniah of Terengganu Tengku Ampuan Basiah. Feast your eyes on other exotic species include Lucky Devil, Madonna, Happy New Year, Pink Champagne, John F. Kennedy and Mini Skirt.
Enhancing the beauty of the hibiscus are countless orchid plants. There is a rare hyrid named after Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's former Premier, which is considered a collector's item. The arboretum is home to local species of both hardwood and soft wood such as chengal, balau, resak and nyatoh. Reticulated pythons, poisonous vipers, monitor lizards and other creepy creatures make for interesting browsing in the reptile sanctuary.
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