H for "Hibiscus"

A Red Carnation Hibiscus in bloom at home several years ago

 Common Name: Hibiscus

Scientific Name: Hibiscus
Assamese Name: Joba

The Hibiscus family has a wide range of colourful varieties. In Assam, the Chinese Rose variety  (Rokto Joba meaning Vermilion Hibiscus), which has five overlapping petals as well it frilly multi-petaled cousin (Red carnations Hibiscus), are the popular varieties. At our residence at the university when my father was in service, we had planted Chinese Rose on the three sides on the front as boundary hedge. We also had the carnations variety planted separately.

Rokto Joba

The flowers are used in as offerings to the Hindu deities. In Assam, we use hibiscus leaves for hair therapy. The leaves are washed properly and chopped crudely. The chopped leaves are then soaked in clean water. After sometime the water becomes slimy and smooth with the discharge from the leaves. This slimy water is then applied to the scalp and hair strands. It has a cooling effect on the scalp and softens the hair. After 45-60 minutes, the hair can be washed off.

The second popular varieties in Assam are the white and pink hibiscus. 

Dainty White Hibiscus