Near Palaceside Building in Kitanomaru Park, climbing from Shimizumon to the garden beside the Yoshida Shigeru statue, many red rose-of-Sharon blossoms open. A relative of tropical hibiscus, it loves heat.
Blooming early and fading by evening, Basho's one-day flower — yet each may last two or three days, and new buds keep opening like morning glories.
Dried bark appears in Chinese materia medica for water parasites; steep in white liquor — do not try casually. Said to help fever, toxins, and itch.
Cut branches root easily; in Korea it is the national flower of prosperity.
Today London Olympics men's third-place match: Japan vs. Korea. Splendor: cherry blossom? Toughness: rose of Sharon? Which wins — fascinating.