OK, I know the title is a bit odd. However, it is what wandered into my mind when thinking about what to name this post. It is titled Hemispheric Hibiscus as the two pictures were taken in different hemispheres.

The first picture was taken in Australia.

Southern Hemisphere Hibiscus

There was a garden surrounding the pool area at the hotel I was staying at in North Ryde, a suburb north of Sydney. In the garden I found this nice hibiscus bloom. I really like the nice back ground provided by the green vegetation and the water of the pool.

The second picture was taken in Canada.

Northern Hemisphere Hibiscus

This picture was taken indoors, but since it was up against a plate glass window it looks like it is outside in the snow. I passed this potted plant several times a day on the way to and from my classroom. I decided that I had to take a picture of it.

I really like the contrast between the two pictures. They are two different colors of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and their environments are also opposites. Indoors vs. Outdoors, Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere vs. Eastern Hemisphere. Also, one picture makes you think of a hot environment and the other makes you feel cold.

The hibiscus flower is also known as the rosemallow, Jamaica flower or sorrel? There are many different varieties and some of these also have specific names.

This particular hibiscus variety, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is also known as the Chinese hibiscus. In Malaysia where it is the national flower, it is known as Bunga Ray or big flower. They also have images of the flower on their coins and their paper money.

Although this is probably the variety that most people think of when you say hibiscus, there are also many other varieties. I found out that I have taken pictures of several other varieties. Perhaps they will be featured in future posts :-). I will have to do a bit more research, and maybe some fieldwork.

I hope you enjoy these contrasting blooms.

Steven