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