Thursday, October 25, 2012

A Pink-throated Hibiscus

This is one of those smaller old-fashioned Hibiscus unlike the large and gorgeous hybrids that we see nowadays. However, it is not without its charm. The white petals are streaked with fuchsia-pink lines which merge towards the tubular part giving it a pink throat. 
The markings serve as a good guide for pollinators as to the sweet treasure within.

In Hibiscus the numerous stamens comprising filaments and anthers are carried on a long upright staminal tube which also encloses the style.

 The style branch into five, each carrying a stigma at its end. The stigmas look like orange pom-poms.


"In the end, life lived to its fullest
is its own Ultimate Gift" - Jim Stovall



The anthers have popped releasing the fine pollens.

A top view of the outstanding reproductive part of the flower.

This long protrusion of anthers and stigma cast a shadow under the morning sun.


After the shower, the flower is still fresh for the picking.

A Common Five Ring butterfly (Ypthima baldus newboldi) perched daintily on a bamboo stem which is used to stake the Hibiscus plant.


This greyish brown butterfly has a single large ring (ocellus) on the forewings while there are five ocellus on the hindwings. The last pair is counted as one. The ocellus or eyespots are black enclosed by yellow rings. The eyes are grey, matching the wing colours.


A Hibiscus leaf is the prefered landing perch of this brown moth. It has dark brown patches strewned in wavy lines across its wings. Unlike butterflies the antennae of moths do not end in clubs. As they are nocturnal, moths are more furry so as to counter the lower temperatures at night. Note that a main distinguishing feature of moths is that they rest with the wings flat whereas butterflies have their wings folded upwards. 

Posted from Cork, Ireland (I've only a few days left from my one-month sojourn in Ireland).

24 comments:

  1. So beautiful this hibiscus. I also love the butterfly, it's like wearing an eye on his wing.
    Great photo stilleto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marijke. Ocellus is derived from the Latin oculus(eye). The butterfly is actually very tiny. Its only on close-up that one can see its true beauty.

      Delete
  2. Very beautiful...nicely taken..i always admire yr macros...the patterns on butterflies also look so amazing..selamat hari raya haji

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ummuaidn,
      Thanks for the compliments. Macro photography opens up a whole new dimension in looking at flora and fauna.

      Wishing you and family,"Selamat Hari Raya Haji". I cooked beef rendang today. Will be flying back to Malaysia on that day. I'm looking forward to basking in the sun. Hope my garden is still in good shape.

      Delete
  3. Have a safe journey home Stiletto..
    Nice shots with your macros :)
    Brings out the wonderful contrast of white and fucshia!
    My hibiscus was attacked by aliens sampai botak :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ash,
      Thanks, but can look forward to watching the remaining movies on the plane - that's how long the journey home would take. Your denuded Hibiscus plant was probably due to grasshoppers munching away. I've caught them in the act many times. Just creep behind them and 'tangkap' them. Its quite easy actually.

      Delete
  4. Are you originally from Ireland? I hope you have a good time there. Beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sadun,
      I'm Malaysian and on a social visit. My son and daughter are currently based here. Yes, I have a good time here. I've got my international licence with me intending to do a bit of driving but didn't as the car is manual. Anyway as we live near the city centre, walking is fine by me as the cool weather makes it invigorating.

      Delete
  5. I actually much prefer the old-fashioned Hibiscus, and this one is just beautiful. Great photos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The old-fashioned ones are great in that they are robust and relatively disease-free. I've tried planting the new hybrids but they have succumbed to diseases over the years.

      Delete
  6. Exotic and mysterious, that's what this plant brings to mind. The close-up pictures leave me in awe and filled with questions, why those colours, the shapes, it does the brain good to wonder! The butterfly has such a dainty, but firm grip on the bamboo pole, such little feet to hold steady those enormous wings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rosemary,
      I'm glad that the close-ups have cause you to ponder on the wonders and mysteries of Nature. I myself am constantly astounded by it too. Butterflies with their dainty legs always make me think of ballerinas.

      Delete
  7. Fabulous photos! They reveal a fascinating world we commonly overlook. I often prefer the simple flower to the more complicated hybrids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Many people feel this way too and that's the reason, many plants from our grandfather's era are making a comeback.

      Delete
  8. I love your description of markings on hibiscus as guide to pollinators.... as markings on helipad for helicopters to dive in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, helipads and helicopters would make a good analogy. Its great that you can make this connection.

      Delete
  9. Beautifully photographed, wonderful macros! Hibiscus are lovely flowers aren't they and they come in so many vibrant colours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for thinking so. The mind boggles with the wide array of native, hybrids and other gorgeous varieties.

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. Thanks and regards. Last week, I've tried out one of your recipes in your blog. It was delicious as promised!

      Delete
  11. Stunning photos as always. Amazing flower, how beautiful and have to love the visitors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. I agree with you on the presence of winged visitors. They add vibrance and life to the garden.

      Delete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...