24 December 2012

HIBISCUS

These are two beautiful species of Hibiscus from the Malvaceae Family.

The first is H. mutabilis with palmate leaves and a rose-like appearance with several layers of petals. I took the photos in the morning, hence the petals are still white. The five stigmas are amazingly red!

On the other hand, the white H. moscheutos has more regular shaped leaves but five large petals that almost form a circle. The stigmas though are of the same white colour as the stamens. However, it has a prominently red eye towards the base of the petals.

Hibiscus shrubs like these require a high dose of nitrogen and iron regularly to keep them healthy and in bloom always.