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2.3 What we observe and know about other "Plants" in our enviroment?



OUR NATIONAL FLOWER

  • The national flower of Malaysia is the hibiscus(Rosa Sinensis), or as it is locally known the Bunga Raya. No one knows when the flower was first introduced to Malaysia, but undoubtedly it came via trade from its original home in China, Japan ad the Pacific islnds probably before the 12th century. From early times, the hibiscus has been known to have many uses, mostly medicinal. its petals were commonly used to darken and enhance women's eyebrows; while some people still use the roots of the hibiscus plant as a cure for fever and other ailments. Skin eruptions and glandular troubles are said to be relieved by the application of the juice obtained from its leaves and roots while a poultice prepared from the leaves is often applied to cure headaches. The Bunga Raya is found in abundance throughtout the country, and has many varities and colours. Malaysians, however have chosen the red five-petalled type as their national flower.


    • WHITE HIBISCUS



    The Bunga Raya (hibiscus) is found in varities colours. Such as the picture below:
    BROWN
    BLUE
    GREEN
    MULTI
    RED
    PINK
    RED-GOLD
    RED-WHITE
    SILVER-GREY
    WHITE






    RAFFLESIA (BUNGA PAKMA)


    Rafflesia is also known as Bunga Pakma and st is the largest and is one of the most magnificent flowers in the world. The largest species is R.arnoldii, 97cm in diameter. Three species are found in Sarawak. These are R.arnoldii, R.pricei and R.tuan-mudae, the latter being endemic to Sarawak.

    Rafflesia is a parastitic plant, a gigantic liana. the only known host of Rafflesia is a Tetrastigma (Vitaceae). It is so specialised that the only visible part is the flower. The bud resembles a black or orange cabbage; upon maturity, it opens with a bursting sound, displaying its colourful, thick petals. It is said that the flower emits a penetrating smell. However the species in Sarawak only has a faint smell when one takes a deep sniff of the flower. It is very rare and highly localised in mixed dipterocarp forest or secondary forest. Rafflesia is endangered and threatened because it is very host specific and has a high mortality rate. The buds are believed to have medical value. This flower can be seen in Gunung Gading National Park, Lanjak-Entimau Wild Life Sanctuary; Padawan and Kelabit Highlands. It is not easily been found.


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