Our bold and beautiful red Bunga Raya
Let us take a moment to reflect on the name of Malaysia's national flower, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The word "hibiscus" originates from the Greek "hibiskos", a name given by the ancient physician Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40–90 AD). Dioscorides, also a botanist, authored the influential De Materia Medica, a five-volume Greek encyclopedia on herbal medicine.
In 1753, Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus provided a detailed description of the hibiscus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum. It was Linnaeus who formalised the name "Hibiscus rosa-sinensis" for the red double flower, with "sinensis" meaning "Chinese" in Latin, marking the earliest recorded use of this name.
The exact origin of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis remains a mystery, though it has been cultivated for centuries in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan and the Pacific islands. Regardless of where it first appeared, the hibiscus was introduced to Europe by explorers in the 1700s, eventually being imported from China. This species became the progenitor of the modern hibiscus, with its name still carried by its descendants.
The hibiscus flower selected as our national symbol is a hybrid (top left), resulting from the crossing of any of the eight original native species of hibiscus. While modern varieties of hibiscus are all derived from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, they are actually a blend of several species. However, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (top right) is the correct name of one of the original species plants, belonging to the Malvaceae family.
In the Western world, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also known by various names, including China Rose, Chinese Hibiscus, Sorrel, Rose Mallow, Shoe Flower and the Queen of Tropical Flowers. It is called "Sembaruthi" in Tamil, "Gumamela" in Tagalog and in Indonesia, it is known as "Kembang Sepatu", which translates to "Shoe Flower", as the petals can be used to shine leather shoes.
In Malaysia, we call it Bunga Raya. In Malay, "bunga" means "flower", while "raya" translates to "celebration", making Bunga Raya the "celebratory flower." Over time, it has become a distinct symbol of Malaysia.
So, how did the vibrant red Hibiscus rosa-sinensis become our national flower? The story begins in the wake of Malaysia's independence in 1957. As the newly independent Malaya sought to establish its unique identity and symbolise the unity of its multicultural nation, the search for a national flower began.
In 1958, the Ministry of Agriculture invited proposals for a national flower from all state governments. Seven flowers were nominated: the Hibiscus (Bunga Raya), Jasmine (Bunga Melur), Lotus (Bunga Teratai), Magnolia (Bunga Cempaka), Medlar (Bunga Tanjung), Rose (Bunga Mawar), and Ylang Ylang (Bunga Kenanga). Preferences varied, with the east coast states favouring the rose, while the west coast leaned towards the jasmine.
On 28 July 1960, after careful deliberation, then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj officially declared Hibiscus rosa-sinensis as Malaysia's national flower. The announcement was made public during the inauguration of the Malayan Agro-Horticultural Association's (MAHA) exhibition at the Selangor Turf Club.
The decision was based on several factors. Bunga Raya was already a familiar flower among the locals and its striking red colour, surpassing its competitors, symbolised life, joy, splendour and, most importantly, courage. The flower’s five prominent petals, wide and beautiful, represent Malaysia's five Rukun Negara (National Principles), a pledge many of us can still vividly recall reciting in school. Additionally, the hibiscus blooms year-round and is well-suited to Malaysia’s climate. It can be easily grown from branch cuttings and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal national symbol.
Bunga Raya holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians. Its image is featured prominently on Malaysian currency, as well as on stamps and commemorative coins, serving as a lasting symbol of the nation's identity and pride.
Since then, the hibiscus has inspired the logos for numerous significant events and initiatives, including the Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games and the Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 campaign. The flower is also featured in the logos of Tourism Malaysia, the National Mark of Malaysian Brand and Management and Science University, among others.
Annually, the prestigious Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award serves as a platform to acknowledge and honour the environmental achievements and leadership of businesses and industries. Beyond recognition, this award plays a vital role in fostering environmental consciousness and contributing to the improvement of Malaysia's ecological landscape. Through its symbolism, the hibiscus is instrumental in promoting these efforts towards a greener Malaysia.
Even Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson showcases hibiscus-inspired architecture, with its design spread across a secluded coastline, further emphasising the flower's deep cultural significance in Malaysia.
During the Merdeka celebrations, alongside the Malaysian flag, schools and buildings are decorated with cloth streamers featuring the National Flower. From logos to architecture, from Hawaiian shirts to kebaya motifs, and even in nouvelle cuisine, the humble Bunga Raya has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of Malaysian culture.
The hibiscus is also a popular choice for national flowers around the world. Hibiscus syriacus is South Korea’s national flower, while the Yellow Hibiscus serves as Hawaii’s state flower. In Haiti, it is the unofficial national flower, known locally as Rose Cayenne. The widespread recognition of the hibiscus underscores its universal appeal and symbolic significance.
Entopia, located in Teluk Bahang, began as a butterfly farm and has since expanded threefold. Within its atrium, visitors can observe how much butterflies are drawn to the sweet nectar of the hibiscus. Bees and nectar-eating birds, including hummingbirds, also frequent the hibiscus for its nectar. Entopia offers a delightful experience for both tourists and nature enthusiasts, showcasing the intricate relationships between flora and fauna, with the hibiscus serving as a crucial hub for these interactions.
In July 2017, I visited GK Organic Farm for a tour and buffet luncheon. The buffet spread was visually striking, as the chef incorporated flowers like hibiscus into the dishes. The salads, coloured with vibrant flower petals, were both flavourful and scrumptious – a truly satisfying treat!
In Jamaica and Mexico, hibiscus tea is popular for its potential health benefits, including lowering high blood pressure. The tea is rich in citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and its unique hibiscus acid (allo-hydroxycitric acid lactone).
If you have a hibiscus bush in your garden, you can easily make fresh hibiscus tea. Gather around 10 red petals and place them in a teapot. Pour hot water over the petals and stir for about five minutes. As the tea steeps, it will turn a dark red, almost burgundy. Discard the petals, add sugar to taste (if desired), and a splash of lemon juice. You will be amazed as the colour instantly brightens to a vivid red. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy a refreshing cup.
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that hibiscus tea effectively lowered blood pressure in individuals at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly elevated levels. Major tea companies like Boh and Lipton have since added hibiscus tea to their range of flavours. Whether enjoyed fresh or dried, hibiscus tea can be a delightful and healthful choice. However, drinking it in moderation is generally advised to avoid potential side effects.
The hibiscus plant is also used medicinally across the globe. In India, Ayurveda practitioners employ various parts of the hibiscus plant – leaves, flowers and roots – in treatments for conditions such as hair loss, headaches, colds, swelling, menstrual cramps, venereal diseases and to induce short-term infertility or stimulate menstruation. In the Philippines, hibiscus root is used as an aperitif and tonic, while in South Africa, the Xhosa people apply hibiscus leaves to septic wounds. For more information on hibiscus in medicine, exploring online research studies can provide surprising insights into its diverse applications.
The hibiscus flower features both male and female reproductive parts within the same bloom. The five hairy red spots at the top of the flower are the stigma, which is the female part. The stigma is situated at the end of the style, a slender stalk that connects it to the ovary. The male parts, or stamens, consist of filament-like stems, each capped with an anther that produces pollen.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is polyploid, meaning it has more than two complete sets of chromosomes, unlike most other species. This genetic trait allows the offspring to exhibit a wide range of characteristics from previous generations, resulting in numerous varieties and colours of exotic blooms within the hibiscus family. This remarkable feature of the Bunga Raya mirrors the rich multicultural fabric of Malaysia, symbolising diversity and unity. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the nation's vibrant heritage that we should cherish and hold dearly.
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
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30 August 2019