Flower of the "Gumamela" (Hibiscus) Plant

Gumamela, scientifically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is a shrub widely grown as an ornamental plant. Being native to East Asia, this plant is propagated throughout the Philippines. The leaves are green and glossy. Red is the color of the most common variety of the gumamela plant. This plant reminds many Filipinos of their childhood; they might have used the petals and leaves in making bubbles.

The procedure involves crushing the petals and leaves using mortar and pestle. If unavailable, a stone and a hard flat surface will do for the crushing process. The resulting paste is then mixed with soapy water. To make the bubbles, dip an end of a plastic straw or a papaya stalk into the mixture. Blow into the other end and enjoy the bubbles.

I have just learned that the flower has other applications. According to Wikipedia, the flowers of are eaten as salad in the Pacific Islands. Aside from being used as a hair care preparation, the flower is used to shine shoes. That might be the reason that the gumamela is also known as shoe flower.

Flowers of the Santan Plant

When we were still children, many of us habitually sucked the nectar out of the flower of the santan plant, which belongs to the Ixora genus in the Rubiaceae family. Commonly selected for hedges, the santan plant has leathery leaves and yields large clusters of tiny flowers. Flowers may be red, yellow, pink or orange. The red variant is shown in the picture:

Christmas Countdown: Poinsettia

There are twelve days remaining before Christmas, and that number is significant to poinsettia as December 12 is National Poinsettia Day in the United States. Considering American influences on Filipino culture, poinsettia is well-known in the Philippines.

What is poinsettia?

The poinsettia is a plant species typically used in Christmas floral displays in many countries, including the Philippines, because of its green and red foliage. It is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the U.S. in 1825.

Flowers at Burnham Park

I have always been fascinated by flowering plants.  To mark the end of the merry month of May, I will share pictures of blooming beauties at the Burnham Park in Baguio City.

Join me in enjoying the sight of these flowers: