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Hibiscus -LR9A4705-1

It became Malaysia’s national flower in 1960

Running competitors included the jasmine, magnolia, medlar, ylang ylang, lotus, and rose, but the solid red flower with a yellow stamen won out. The red petals symbolize courage, and the five petals represent the Rukun Negara (National Principles). Yes, you remember reciting that pledge in school.If you run out of shoe polish, have no fear, the bunga raya is here! Just rub the flower petals against your squeaky leather shoes, and walk out the door looking like you just bought them.

This pretty flower doesn’t tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). It’s Malaysian, basically.

The reason it makes such a strong, tart tea is because of its abundance of citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and its own unique hibiscus acid (allo-hydroxycitric acid lactone). Don’t worry, these are the kinds of acids that won’t hurt.

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Uploaded on March 17, 2022
Taken on March 25, 2021