Ao Feng Zheng (Louis)

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A prominent flora in our little home of Saipan is the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Around every corner, one can easily sight this scarlet beauty. It has become a symbol of the Northern Mariana Islands, rivaling the popularity of the plumeria, the territory’s national flower. The hibiscus is often utilized in cultural matters such as symbolizing if a female is currently in a relationship with a significant other. The hibiscus also serves practical purposes such as being used to make paper, dried to become an edible dish, or as medicine. Otherwise, it is a hallmark to which tourists often visit the Northern Mariana Islands to see. It is a unique flower to the tropical islands.