Tribute To The Hibiscus

The Hibiscus ( rosa-sinensis)  which literally means “Chinese rose” most commonly known as the "shoe flower" is a native of Asia, specifically China, India and the Pacific. It is called "shoe flower" because the flowers were traditionally used to polish shoes in Jamaica and some Asian & African countries.

Hibiscus tea is made from the (sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, an herbal tea consumed both hot and cold by people around the world..   Perhaps this is the reason we in the Maldives call this beautiful flower"  އިމާ ސަ” ( Tea Flower) . According to what I heard, some of those who went to Egypt learned to make this herbal tea here by drying the petals and sepals of this flower. Since they must be from the Nobility, perhaps the name caught on and the flower got a new name. It is likely it was known by a different name till this new name became a household one!

While in Egypt I came to love what the Egyptians called Karkade’. Later I learnt that this herbal drink served chilled in Summer and hot in Winter is very popular in the neighbouring countries too, especially in the Sudan. It is said that Hibiscus from Upper Egypt (in Egypt,this is the South ) and Sudan is highly prized in both countries. This drink is said to have been a preferred drink of the Pharaohs. In Egypt and Sudan wedding celebrations are traditionally toasted with a glass of hibiscus tea. Even now on hot Summer days typical street in downtown Cairo one can find many vendors and open-air cafés selling  karkadé  .

This is also the National Flower of Malaysia. The word bunga in Malay means "flower", whilst raya in Malay means "big" or "grand". The hibiscus is literally known as the "big flower" in Malay. The flower can be found imprinted on the notes and coins of the Malaysian Ringgit. Hibiscus flower preparations are used for hair care. The flowers themselves are edible and are used in salads in many Pacific Islands.

A flower to decorate girls’ hair, to shine shoes, to lower blood pressure, to add luster to your hair, to decorate your salad and a fine beverage for hot days and cool nights.  The late dictator who exaggerated everything beyond proportion must have forgotten to call this " Mother of All Flowers" ! ;-) 
Thank You!