12/10/2024
The Hibiscus plant.
Belonging to the family Malvaceae, gumamela (H. rosa-sinensis) is a common garden plant in the Philippines that produces large flowers, which measure about 4 inches in diameter. The flowers come in white, yellow, pink, red and thousands of color combinations, except true blue or black.
Hibiscus were in the Philippine Islands before humans! They are among the oldest inhabitants of these islands, and are a precious part of Philippine history.
In the Philippines, the gumamela (the local name for hibiscus) is used by children as part of a bubble-making pastime. The flowers and leaves are crushed until the sticky juices come out. Hollow papaya stalks are then dipped into this and used as straws for blowing bubbles. Together with soap, hibiscus juices produce more bubbles.
Do you remember the flower of your youth?
