Tropical Hibiscus
What is Hawaii?
This US state has the yellow Hawaiian hibiscus (pua aloalo) as its official state flower.
What is the prominent, elongated central tube protruding from a hibiscus flower, formed by the fusion of the stamens and style, called?
Staminal column
What is a perennial hibiscus?
Unlike many annual varieties, this type of hardy hibiscus dies back to the ground in winter and reliably re-emerges in late spring.
After successful pollination, what specific type of dry fruit does a hibiscus plant typically produce?
A dehiscent capsule
What is the calyx (or sepal)?
The edible, fleshy, bright red part of the plant used to make teas and jams (often called flor de Jamaica) is actually this part of the flower.
Are typical wild type hibiscus flowers radially symmetrical(anthropomorphic) or bilaterally symmetrical(isomorphic)?
Actinomorphic
To what major family does the vibrant and diverse hibiscus genus belong?
Malvaceae
Which specific species of hibiscus is primarily harvested to produce tart, ruby-red herbal teas and beverages?
Hibiscus sabdariffa
How many petals do most standard, unmutated cultivated hibiscus flowers naturally display?
5
What primary organic acids give hibiscus tea its distinctive, mouth puckering, cranberry-like tartness?
citric and malic acid