Hibiscus - Throatscapes

The vast varieties of Hibiscus to come about in the past fifty or so years have been breath-taking, both in their quantity and their spectacular creations of nature.  When you look more closely into the hibiscus throat, you can often see exquisite beauty otherwise overlooked.  Enjoy this little journey of re-exploration.

"From the Depths of slumber,

As I ascend the spiral staircase of wakefulness...."

from: "Whispers from Eternity" by Swami Yogananda,1929 

This stunning rain caressed hibiscus, reflects the promise of life's renewal.

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger

Onc of the beautiful aspects of growing any flowering plants in one's own home gardens, is that you get to see and experience the many changing phases of any and all plants.  This post catches several of the transitions that have been observed in my garden with the Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger.  Often times, I'm left in awe.

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger  Bud

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger - White variety

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger variety

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger

This particular photo was taken, years ago, at the famous and world class Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.  This spectacular garden is a "must see" if you ever get to the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.  The garden is located at Onomea along the Scenic Route about eight miles north of downtown Hilo.

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger - Deep Red Variety

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger - White variety

Etlingera eliator - Red Torch Ginger

Etlingera eliator - Torch Ginger -  White variety

Ti Plants - Magnificent Tropical foliage

Splashes of Color, Texture and Form to Enhance the Tropical Garden.

Ti plants, their common name in Hawai'i, are scientifically called, Cordyline Fruticosa.  An older alternate name is Cordyline terminalis.  Here are some Ti plant variety photographed at Special Ti Nursery.

"Kilauea Fire" 

Taken with the sun behind me.

"Kilauea Fire"

Taken with the sun shining through the leaves.

"Kekau Kawanana Koa"

Possibly growing over five foot tall.

"Kekau Kawanana Koa"

Note the emerging infloresence.

"Tarzan"

Note the unusual white margin on the Ti plant leaves.

"Tarzan"

Again, note the unusual white margins.

"Enchantment" - Looking down the isle.

"Enchantment" - Top view

"Lemon Twist" - Profile view.

"Lemon Twist" - Top view.

"McInerny" - Top view.

"McInerny" - Side view.

"Strawberry Sunday" - Top view

Low growing, possibly to a three foot height.

"Strawberry Sunday" -

Looking down the isle.

"Keely's Gold - A miniature Ti plant.

Side view of its isle.

"Keely's Gold - Top view

A miniature Ti plant.