Hibiscus named after STAR founder
The University of the Philippines Institute of Plant Breeding announced yesterday the successful cross-breeding of a new “gumamela” (hibiscus rosa-sinensis) variety which will be named in honor of the late Philippine STAR founder Betty Go-Belmonte.
Belmonte belongs to the university’s roster of outstanding alumnae who attained high positions in academe, government service, business and other fields.
Dr. Jose Hernandez, director of the UP Crop Science Center, told The STAR during yesterday’s flag raising ceremony that the new gumamela variety, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Betty Go-Belmonte,” will be launched and officially turned over to Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte at the end of the month as one of the highlights of the celebration of Women’s Month.
The city mayor is the husband of the late Mrs. Belmonte.
“The Hibiscus BGB is a tribute to a UP alumnus who excelled in the field of journalism,” Hernandez said.
“The BGB hibiscus rosa-sinensis variety has apricot lemon yellow petals with red eye, and the size of the flower ranges from medium to large,” he said.
Hernandez said the BGB hibiscus, which has stunning colors and medium height, is the latest variety since the Institute introduced in 2006 the Oblation series of hybrids.
Meantime, two scientists, Dr. Pablito Magdalita and Reynold Pimentel, were given citations yesterday by the city government for the breeding of a gumamela variety named after Tandang Sora, who is among the great heroes who helped fight Spanish rule.
The gumamela, believed to have been introduced to the
“However, Westerners considered it as the connoisseur’s flower with as many fans as the rose, camellia and azalea,” Magdalita said.
In December 1994 the Hibiscus Breeding program at UP Los Baños began to develop new hibiscus hybrids with captivating colors and appearances.
Magdalita said the breeding program aims to improve the native plants and develop new varieties to enhance its commercial value against imported flowers.
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