I somehow always thought these were hibiscus flowers that had folded up. Now I know better. The name Sleeping Hibiscus is pretty apt too.
Sleeping Hibiscus is a shrub from Mexico. The flowers are pendulous. Have seen them only in red, but it appears there is a pink one too.
Botanical name: Malvaviscus arboreus var. arboreus Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Strangely, the sleeping hibiscus flowers best when in bright sunlight. I would have thought otherwise!
Picture taken at Hitex Convention Center, Hyderabad.
Info - http://flowersofindia.net
Oh I did nt know they r called so though I hv seen them in many places. We used to break the stalk and drink their juice during our school days ;
ReplyDeleteNo side effects?
ReplyDeleteWe used to drink the nectar, too. And without any side effects even when it was laced with those small, smelly ants! Now, I have a miniature variety of this hibiscus -- a smallish shrub with flowers just two cm long.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read about the Devil's tree in your earlier post.