IXORA IN FULL BLOOM

The ixora hedges in the college is blooming beautifully.  The flame-like flowers are indeed a magnificent sight to behold.  I couldn't resist the opportunity of taking pictures of them and got Kamariah to help pose next to them.

Did you know that the MPV Exora is actually derived from the Ixora, a flower that we commonly see in most bushes or shrubbery around the country?  Yeah!  Little does Kamariah know that the Proton Exora she is driving got its name from this flower.
In the Malay language Ixora is commonly known as Bunga Jarum or Jarum Jarum((meaning many needles).  This plant is widely grown as a hedge which can be from 5 to 10ft tall. It is also planted in pots as ornamental plants.
The Hindus use this flower as offerings to their deities.  In Thailand the ixora is used in Wai Khru ceremonies which are special for both teachers and students.  Once a year the Thai students officially pay homage to their teachers with trays decorated with joss sticks, candles and the four traditional offerings of kao tok (popped rice), dok makua (pea eggplant flowers), dok kem (Ixora flowers) and yah praek (Burmuda grass). Since Ixora flowers have a sharp edge they symbolise the sharp minds and intelligence of students.