The hibiscus plant has a dazzling bloom which has captured the attention of people worldwide. Its association with the tropics has given rise to hibiscus images as decoration for surfboards, then surfer wear and now into mainstream fashion. Because of their fashion popularity and unmistakable shape, hibiscus flowers are one of the more widely recognized and popular blooms. They speak the language of summer with vibrant blooms in hot shades which beckon people to tropical destinations.
The hibiscus flower looks like no other. This unique flower can be found in literally thousands of color combinations. A tight bud opens usually in under 18 hours to reach a fully mature blossom. Bright, wide petals lie flat, overlapping one another to create a miniature sea of color. From the center of these petals rises a staminal column which contains fused filaments and around one hundred stamens. This column supports the stigma lobe. It is this positioning of the long staminal column as perfectly perpendicular to the petals which is one of the flower's most recognizable features. The Hibiscus genus is part of the Malvaceae family and has around 220 know species. All species in this genus are shrubs or small trees which grow almost exclusively in tropic and subtropical regions, though a few grow in temperate zones as well. The plants are native to Asia and the Pacific Islands, but now enjoy popularity in other areas, including Australia and the United States. There is a huge diversity among plant growth and bloom sizes. Some plants will only grow a couple of feet over many years. Others grow several feet in less than one year. Some hibiscus flowers are small, while others can be huge, measuring at over ten inches in diameter.
Hibiscus flowers are loved today for their looks and wild nature. One species is the national flower of Malaysia, while another is the state flower of Hawaii. Aside from just sharing their pleasant appearances, these blooms are even used in some food preparation. They mostly appear in recipes in the Hawaiian Islands, but are used in the cuisines of other countries as well. Hibiscus flowers are not sold as cut flowers for ornamentation because of their fragile nature, but plants can be grown indoors or outside based on the species and the zone. Wherever they are grown, these plants are reminders of the tropics, with their lovely unusual blooms an instant passport.