Hibiscus (Part 7)


As I continue to photograph more flowers given significances by the Mother, I hope to concentrate on the hibiscus with an aspiration to photograph all those Mother has named. It is not easy to photograph hibiscus due to the long staminal column and the anthers which usually go out of focus.

One time while attending a Hibiscus show the photographer assigned to taking the photographs showed me his system. Although it did not allow for special lighting he taught me to photograph the flowers at a 45 degree angle so that the petals and the anthers would be on relatively the same plane. This has helped me greatly to eliminate one problem but one still has to contend with wind, light and shade, colour accuracy, etc.

Some hibiscus, especially the older Indian varieties, root easily, others do not and among these are the Hawaiian. This is why someone will have to study grafting to assure that when all the hibiscus Mother named are collected and being grown in the gardens of the Ashram and Auroville, the 'mother' plants are preserved for future generations. Fortunately, I was able to preserve the correct cultivar names for some of the Hawaiian varieties we introduced so we should not have difficulty finding 'Splash', 'Sebactini, 'Dream' and others.

As I write this, a friend whom I have known for many years in Auroville is looking for a piece of land where he can concentrate on growing all the flowers named by Mother that will grown in Auroville's climate. The same work is being undertaken in the Ashram garden, Maturudyanam so there is much hope.

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Flame

Mother's comment: "Triumphant and elegant in its ardour."

This plant is very easily grown and is not overly troubled by insects or disease but is truly tropical and likes a rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is native to the tropical areas of east Africa and will not tolerate drought. The species is Hibiscus schizopetalus and its common name is Japanese Lantern as the flowers hang down from the plant. Schizopetalus refers of course to the deeply indented petals that seem to be split.

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Progress of the New Creation

Mother's comment: "Each must find the activity favourable to one's own progress."

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Charm of the New Creation

Mother's comment: "The New Creation is attractive for all those who want to progress."

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Puissance of Realisation

Mother's comment: "With realisation all obstacles will be overcome."

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Consciousness One with the Divine Consciousness

Mother's comment: "Smiling and happy, it no longer knows any shadows"

Note: This is one form but there are other forms grown in Auroville.

Narad (Richard Eggenberger)
Copyright 2015