Hibiscus

Hibiscus, classified in the family of Malvaceae, is one of the ornamental plants mainly for tropical countries. The species is conspicious for its large trumpet-shaped flowers ranging from white to red, yellow or purple. There are over 200 Hibiscus species in the world. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the most common species with the highest number of cultivars. The different colour of H. rosa-sinensis is well shown in the set of four stamps issued by Malaysian postal authority in 1984 (see below). Four different colours were depicted in the set of stamps - white, red, pink and orange. In Malaysia, the venercular name for H. rosa-sinensis is Bunga Raya.

In fact, H. rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. The red colour H. rosa-sinensis is selected for this purpose. Therefore, the frequent appearence of red H. rosa-sinensis in Malaysian stamps is not surprising. In 1979, a set of 7 definitive (state definitive issue) flora stamps was issued by Malaysian postal authority, and one of the flora stamps is H. rosa-sinensis (see below).

One may find that the design of Malaysia stamps to commemorate national day frequently carries H. rosa-sinensis, as such the set of stamps to commemorate 10th anniversary of Independence and 10th anniversary of formation of Malaysia (see the next two sets of stamps below).

In Malaysia, the white colour H. rosa-sinensis (Bunga Raya Putih) is a medicinal plant. The root is used for traditional treatment. The use of Bunga Raya Putih as traditional medicine appeared in a stamp issued in 1998 by Pos Malaysia (see below).

Stamps with image of H. rosa-sinensis were released from time to time to promote tourism in Malaysia (see the next two stamps below).

In 2007, Pos Malaysia issued personalised (corporate) stamps for the first time. Four different designs were issued for both the values 30s and 50s (altogether eight different stamps). One of the four designs of the personalised stamps carries an image of H. rosa-sinensis (see below).

The latest stamp of Malaysia with the motif of H. rosa-sinensis is in one of the six defintive flora stamps issued on 31 January 2007. This is a state definitive issue, therefore these stamps were issued for 14 states.The yellow colour of H. rosa-sinensis was depicted in the stamp (see below).

The other countries which have issued stamps on H. rosa-sinensis are Thailand, Taiwan and Russia (see the next three stamps below).

There is another Hibiscus species which has been used as national flower for South Korea - H. syriacus. Japan and South Korea have issued such stamps on this Hibiscus species (see the next two stamps below).

Hibiscus mutabilis is depicted on a flora stamp of Thailand (see below).

One of the beautiful Hibiscus species is H. schizopetalus which is characterized by its divided petals. The shape of its petals is absolutely fabulous. Kiribati issued stamp on this species (see below).

Another common Hibiscus species depicted in stamps is H. calyphyllus. This species appeared in stamps of Tanzania, Pitcairn Islands and Zil Elwannyen Sesel (see the next three stamps).