Hibiscus - Malaysian National Flower

The Malaysian symbol Hibiscus, also known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is a tropical flower that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It gets its name from the Greek word where Hibiscus means "mallow" and rosa-sinensis means "roses from China". In Malaysia, this plant is widely found in the wild. Malaysians call the flower of celebration which is the pride of Malaysia and also the tropical flower queen.

Although the true origin of the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plant is still unknown, cultivation began in the islands of China, Japan and the Pacific for an equally long time and is generally thought to have originated from Southern China. Plants with dark red flowers are believed to have Asian origin, hence the name rosa-sinensis meaning 'roses from China'. However, two species of white flowering hibiscus, namely Hibiscus arnottianus and Hibiscus waimeae are believed to have originated from Hawaii.

There are about 300 species in relation to hibiscus that are found in the tropics all over the world. One species, Hibiscus tiliaceus or better known as Sea Hibiscus, is commonly found in Malaysia. More than a thousand hybrid varieties have been obtained and distributed for selected purposes or for ornamental values. Hibiscus bushes are usually made to grow into trees as high as 2 - 3 m. Hibiscus hibiscus flowers lately seen available in pink, yellow, and orange, purple, and lavender.