Malvaviscus arboreus is known
as Turk's Cap or Lipstick Hibiscus. The bright red flowers are showy and about 1 inch or more long. Its flowers do not open fully or flare back like the Hibiscus, hence the alternative moniker, 'Sleeping Hibiscus'.
The petals are overlapping and swirl around a protruding column of pistil and stamens.
New buds can be seen in clusters behind every flower.
A new bud without the cheeky 'tongue'.
The bright red flowers last for several days.
Its prolific blooming habit helps attract birds, butterflies and other critters.
A female sunbird sipped delicately from the base of the flower.
A drop of nectar can be seen at the tip of its curved beak.
With sated appetite, it took a breather and the view too.
Sparrows are frequent visitors too.
Even when there no nectar is available, they love to perch on the branches.
The other half of this pair have trouble keeping up ...
and appeared to be shrieked at by its impatient sparrow partner.
Later the pair had some quality time together, though it didn't seem to be too cosy, after all the shrieking.
The other half of this pair have trouble keeping up ...
and appeared to be shrieked at by its impatient sparrow partner.
Later the pair had some quality time together, though it didn't seem to be too cosy, after all the shrieking.
Interesting hibiscus, Elsie! I've never seen this one but the sparrows are the same as here in North, very curious and always hungry. Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that the sparrows and other birds are forever foraging for food. They seem to have the time of their lives.
DeleteŚliczne kwiaty hibiskusa i cudowne kolibry, których u nas nie ma. Są jednak wróbelki i miło patrzeć na nie w Twoim kraju. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteCute and lovely hibiscus flowers hummingbirds, which we do not have. However, there are sparrows and nice to look at them in your country. Yours.
These are not hummingbirds but sunbirds. The latter feed by sucking nectar from the base of the flowers, while the former are often seen hovering in front of flowers.
Deletewhat an interesting plant. In the third picture it does look just like lipstick! I do love your sunbirds - they are so colourful. Your sparrows look subtly different from ours (Passer domesticus).
ReplyDeleteIts a pity we can't use the petals to stain our lips. We would soon look like vampires as the crush petals will oxidise to become bluish black.
DeleteI have seen images of the European sparrow and there are minor variations between them.
We have very nicely growing malaviscus when we were young, then when the house was improved we lost that hedge. I've long wanted to grow it again, though not much space anymore! You are a good bird paparrazzi!
ReplyDeleteOh, we never thought of using it as a hedge, but its an absolutely good idea.
DeleteHaha, thanks for the compliment but as a bird paparrazzi, I haven't done enough of snooping and stalking.
Oh so many caps! What a wonderful plant. I always enjoy looking at this plant and wonder why they are so shy hehe... also love to see all your beautiful bird pictures!! Those sparrows are so cute :-D
ReplyDeleteThey are cute, I agree but in the evenings, they can cause a raucous when they fight over their sleeping quarters in my parents'house next door.
DeleteI have never thought they fight but in the evenings when all of them flock together they can very, very noisy!
DeleteActually, I have seen them nudging and pushing at each other. Looks like they are no different from humans.
DeleteVery beautiful indeed these miniature like hibiscus.
ReplyDeleteAnd the birds love them.
Birds generally love all varieties of hibiscus. The plant blooms profusely and cuttings root easily, so its a great plant indeed.
DeleteThis species of hibiscus is new to me. “Lipstick Hibiscus” describes the color and form of the flowers (No. 3) perfectly. Not only the flowers but also the birds are lovely in your photos as always.
ReplyDeleteYoko
To me birds are the harbinger of vibrancy and vitality. Their antics mirror that of humans and are a source of endless amusement for me.
DeleteThat's beautiful photos! I have sparrows in my garden as visitor too! ;)
ReplyDeleteThey are ubiquitous and are always a welcome sight in my garden.
Delete