Hibiscus Flower

This flower is commonly called the Shoe Flower - I always wondered why till I read ( just now!) that  the flowers were traditionally used to polish shoes in Jamaica and some African countries

The flowers are conspicuous and showy and are have five or more petals.

Family Malvaceae

The hibiscus petal is was used to stimulate thicker hair growth and to prevent premature graying, hair loss and scalp disorders.



I do not know if this is the sleeping hibiscus or one which is not fully bloomed.

Both these were photographed at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai

And another one at Sainikpuri