The national flower of Malaysia
is the hibiscus, or bunga raya. The flower is found in abundance throughout the
country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in
1960) by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
There are many varieties of the hibiscus, but the five-petaled Hibiscus rosa
sinensis was chosen above the others, as the most symbolically relevant. The
five petals of the bunga raya symbolise the Rukunegara (the Five Principles of
Nationhood), while the colour red represents courage.
It is believed that the flower first arrived in Malaysia via trade from its
original home in the Far East sometime before the 12th century.
The national flower, bunga raya, is known for its medicinal properties. The
roots of the plant are used as a cure for fever and other ailments, while the
juice obtained from the leaves and roots is said to be effective in relieving
skin eruptions and glandular troubles. Also, the petals were commonly used as
cosmetics to darken and highlight women's eyebrows. ~
AllMalaysia.info
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