Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and South Korea, and the state flower of Hawaii. It has great meaning in many cultures. In the Hindu tradition, hibiscus (especially Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the red hibiscus) is sacred. Its five petals are interpreted as representing the five senses, or the five elements, and even the five potencies of God Siva. The flowers are offered to Kali because their deep red color resembles divine power and the life force. They are also offered to Ganesha in many regions. They symbolize Shakti, energy and devotion and, for some, the transience of life, since their blooms, while stunningly beautiful, are brief, reminding us to be present in every moment.
The fancy hybrids are not as productive as the workhorse flowers that we collect daily by the bushel. They are far more spectacular, as though the plant puts all of its effort into the extra attention given to color, shape and form of the blossom. We show a few of the hybrids and a few of the more productive flowers that are the monks’ daily offerings to the deities in our two temples. Enjoy this short slideshow.
This is the state flower of Hawaii- One of the best producers we have
- The famed and sacred Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- This is a heliconia called by the playful name Barnum & Bailey. In bloom today. It’s fuzzy, feels like a soft stuffed animal.
- And a Gramatophyllum orchid. There are hundreds blooming on the trees.
- B ack to the hybrids.
- It’s called Popcorn Orchid.
- Grammatophyllum measuresianum from the Philippines
- How do we know Siva created a special sweetness on Kauai? Because He made the world’s only fragrant hibiscus here, named after the Waimea Canyon. It is one of a kind. The Hawaiians call it Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo.
Botanically, it is Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae
