The lotus flower, which has been a frequent visitor to the writings of literati and ink writers since ancient times, has won numerous praises for its freshness, refinement, and delicate beauty. And hibiscus, as another name for lotus flowers, adds a bit of poetry and romance. However, are lotus and hibiscus really the same plant? What is the story behind their beauty?
The lotus flower is called a hibiscus, which mainly stems from the praise and metaphor of the ancients for the beautiful image of the lotus flower. When the lotus flowers bloom on the rippling blue water, the delicate and beautiful feeling is indeed reminiscent of the poem "Clear water out of hibiscus, natural carving". This kind of metaphorical name is especially common in ancient poetry, and has become a beautiful nickname for lotus flowers.
However, from a botanical point of view, lotus and hibiscus are actually two different plants. Lotus is an aquatic herbaceous plant of the family Nymphaeaceae, which grows in water and is known for its unique growth environment and elegant flower posture. Hibiscus, on the other hand, refers to some plants of the genus Hibiscus in the Malvaceae family, which are woody plants that grow on land. The reason why they are called hibiscus is because their flowers are white and flawless, similar to the image of the water hibiscus, so they are named after the alias of the lotus flower.
To prevent confusion in the name, it is common to add the word "water" or "wood" before "hibiscus" when referring to the two plants to distinguish them. The lotus flower is called "water hibiscus" because of its water-borne nature, while the hibiscus flower is called "wood hibiscus" or "ground hibiscus" because of its woody plant identity.
Hibiscus flowers, as a woody plant, are quite rich in species and color types. According to the color of the flower, hibiscus flowers can be divided into red hibiscus, white hibiscus, yellow hibiscus, etc. The flower color of red hibiscus is pink, delicate, and suitable for growing in a fertile and loose environment; The flower color of white hibiscus is as white as snow, fresh and refined, suitable for growing in a warm and humid environment; Yellow hibiscus, also known as hibiscus, is an evergreen shrub with yellow flowers, mainly distributed in South China. Each of these different colors of hibiscus flowers has its own unique beauty and ornamental value.
In addition to being classified by color, there is also a special species of hibiscus flower called drunken hibiscus. The flowers of this hibiscus flower can change three colors throughout the day: white at the beginning of the morning, pink at noon, and deep red in the evening. Therefore, the drunken hibiscus is also known as the "three drunken hibiscus", and the richness and peculiarity of its flower color changes are breathtaking.
In addition, there is a variety called five-color hibiscus, whose flower color is red and white, and it is as beautiful as a mandarin duck playing in the water. However, there are actually more than just a few colors of hibiscus flowers. Due to the different varieties and growing environments, the color of hibiscus flowers may show more diverse and rich variations.
Although there is a certain confusion and misunderstanding in the names of lotus and hibiscus, the beauty and charm of each of them is undeniable. Whether it is the fresh and refined appearance of the lotus flower on the water, or the colorful land state of the hibiscus, they all attract people's attention with their unique growth environment and flower posture. At the same time, these beautiful plants also carry rich cultural connotations and historical stories, and have become an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture.
In the future, with the in-depth study of botany and horticulture, as well as the continuous cultivation and promotion of new varieties, it is believed that the two beautiful plants of lotus and hibiscus will appear in our lives with more diverse and rich appearances. Not only will they continue to bring us visual pleasure and spiritual pleasure, but they will also make a positive contribution to our living environment and ecological balance. Let's look forward to and cherish these beautiful lives together!