My fifth flower collection is Hibiscus kokio or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Its famous name is Hibiscus Hawaiian Punch. It is a shrub or small tree with red to orangish (rarely yellow) flowers. This endemic species is not officially listed, but considered rare in nature. When the first time I saw it at Home Depot last Wednesday, August 21, 2019, I said to my husband that it was the hibiscus I was looking for. I was so happy to get this orange color which is not many we can find it. Usually many blue or purple or pink color.
I gave this flower to my daughter as a special gift of what she already accomplishes. She reached Distinguish Honors for all semesters in 9th grade. CONGRATULATIONS, our Little Mermaid!
Couple years ago one of my good friends sent me couple of yard-long been seeds via mail. From five seeds, only two weren't crushed and one seed were a half crushed, so I decided to plant them (three seeds). Two grew well but only one plant survived because I accidentally broke the young stems on another seedling. I took care one plant till it grew very well. I was satisfied with its result. I could grow the longest yard-long bean ever. almost 60 cm or over 60 cm if I flatten it.
During its growth, I watered it once/day except it was rainy day. Mostly I used washed rice water because it is a wonderful way to conserve water. The starches from leftover rice water will help encourage beneficial soil bacteria. It also contains vitamins, especially Thiamine; and minerals. They will add small amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) to the soil and they are good for plant's growth. Thiamine was my topic in my research for mushroom's growth to get my Bachelor Degree in Agriculture with my specialist program/major in Agronomy. I also used small amount of fertilizer contained NPK, only twice during its growth to boost harvest.
Yard-long bean plant in my backyard garden, summer 2017.
The longest yard-long bean, almost 60 cm, summer 2017.
Harvest from my backyard garden, 2016.
Harvest in 2017. I brought them to Massachusetts for dinner in the Glades in summer.
Our late son showed my harvest. It was the last time he enjoyed yard-long bean.
I harvest the young leaves to make soup with coconut milk.
In Indonesia, we call the young leaves of yard-long bean is daun lembayung.
It has more nutrients than its fruits.
I cooked stir fried yard-long bean for dinner at the Glades, summer 2017.
I made Urap using yard-long bean, cabbage, and seasoned grated young coconut, summer 2018.
