Old man mumble

　Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow. Other names include hardy hibiscus, rose of sharon, and tropical hibiscus. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

　It is one of the flowering trees that represents Okinawa, strong and fast growing and sturdy for the strong wind in Okinawa. Its branches stretch out straight, and the tree grows to be about 10 feet tall. For many years it has been frequently used in graveyards and for offerings at family tombs. Therefore, it is sometimes called “After Ages Flower” (Gusohbana). It is also often used as hedges around residences. There apparently was also a time when it was valued for various purposes such as for feeding goats and making shampoo.