(Updated April 17, 2004)


  
 
Article#

 

The IHS was conceived of and created by Richard Johnson, diveta@mail.pf and was officially announced June 22, 2000. It is a democratic civic organization, and its first elected officers and regional representatives, together forming the IHS Board Of Directors, took offices as of August 7, 2000.





 
President:
Vice President:
Secretary/Treasurer:
azwhall@att.net
941 W. Hudson Way
Gilbert, AZ 85233 USA

mzarco@edsamail.com.ph
26 Malinis St., UP Village Diliman, Quezon City 1101 PHILIPPINES.

European Representative:
Indian Representative:
Pacific Representative:
hibiscus@infonie.fr
Le Pignet Chatte
38160 Saint-Marcellin
France
kakkassery@yahoo.com
Kakkassery House
P.O. Aloor-Mattom
Trichur-Dt. Kerala
Pin . 680 603, India.
diveta@mail.pf
B.P. 381,359
92718 Faaa, Tahiti
French Polynesia
South American Representative:
Australian Representative:
Asian Representative:
purdiejj@optusnet.com.au
58 Kennington Road,
Camp Hill,
Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia, 4152.
blans_19@yahoo.com
Mr. Wilhelm Hing
1875 Mabini St. Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines
US Representative: David Franzman
dfranzma@pacbell.net


Richard Johnson, in addition to his function as the ex IHS President is also Moderator of the IHS mail list.  He personally holds sole responsibility for IHS awards – including guarantee for payment of features indicated, i.e., MOTY compensations, Quarterly Photo Competition awards, etc.

Via Melfi 10
Sciacca, 92019 (AG)
Sicily Italy.


 
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ARTICLE 1:  NAME  

This organization shall be known as the International Hibiscus Society (IHS). The IHS shall operate as a nonprofit organization.



ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES

1) To encourage and promote the development and improvement of hibiscus.

2) To exchange information, and for this purpose to maintain a web site on the Internet.

3) To produce an official publication "Hibiscus International" (hereinafter referred to as H.I.) in both a cyber version on the IHS web site and a printed version. This publication will cover subjects of interest to hibiscus enthusiasts including, but not limited to, care, culture, nomenclature, exhibition, supplies, development, use, and the history of hibiscus.

4) To foster friendly exchanges between hibiscus enthusiasts throughout the world and promote communication and cooperation between the various hibiscus entities and/or personalities. The latter may be prospectively accomplished by the formation of an independent forum, and in the case of hibiscus entities, members should preferably consist of the president, owner or moderator of each hibiscus entity (i.e., a society or mail list) or their appointed representative. In the case of nonprofit organizations, operating democratically with statutes and an elected governing body, a second delegate may also represent such society. This forum shall be sponsored by I.H.S. but shall be free to develop its own internal operaing procedures regulating its activities subject to simple majority voting of its membership. As regards IHS participation in such a forum, however, the principal representative (i.e., the President or person designated to act in his behalf) shall consult with the BOD on all issues and must have their approval concerning any binding commitments.

5) IHS shall at all times be operated exclusively for scientific, educational, recreational and/or charitable purposes related to the study and enjoyment of hibiscus, their promotion, improvement, propagation, culture, care and development.

6) IHS shall do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objectives of its organization.



ARTICLE 3: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

All persons, organizations or companies interested in hibiscus shall be eligible for membership.

Section 2: Types of Membership

1) Associate Membership (IHS AM): a person accessing the IHS via the internet by subscribing to the IHS email list. Subject to modification by the Board of Directors, such membership is free of charge.

2) Regular Membership (IHS RM): an associate member who wishes to receive the printed version of the IHS official publication H.I. This fee is regulated by the Board of Directors.

3) IHS Member At Large (IHS MAL), is a person who does not have computer access but who participates by phone, fax, or mail contact with Board or other members who pass their comments on to the IHS Mail List - the responses of which are published (at the Editor's discretion) in H.I. The IHS MAL membership fee is regulated by the Board of Directors.

4) IHS Annual Contributor (to be listed in H.I.): Is any person or organization which provides a donation either in cash or services for a "substantial" sum (to be defined by the Board of Directors) which entitles them to receive a one year printed subscription to H.I.

5) IHS Lifetime Benefactor (to be listed in H.I.): Is any person or organization which provides a donation either in cash or services for a "major" sum (to be defined by the Board of Directors) which entitles them to receive a lifetime subscription to H.I.

Section 3:

Expulsion/Banishment Any Member who brings discredit upon the IHS in any way, for any reason may be disciplined to any level, including expulsion/banishment, by two-thirds (2/3rd) vote of the Board of Directors. The Member shall be so informed and advised the reason for the action. The Member will have Thirty (30) days to present a reasoned response to the Board of Directors requesting reinstatement, at which time a final decision on such member's status shall be made. If the BOD, however, decides for expulsion/banishment, such Member may nevertheless apply for reinstatement only after one year from date of expulsion/banishment has elapsed subject again to approval by the BOD.



Article 4: Dues

Section 1: Fiscal Year

1) The fiscal year of the IHS shall be from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

2) The dues year for memberships shall be from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

Section 2: Setting of Dues

Dues for all members shall be set by the Executive Board, due and payable within thirty days of acceptance and thereafter on or before the last day of June.



Article 5: Hibiscus International

Section 1: Official Publication of the HIS

The official publication of the IHS shall be Hibiscus International, a quarterly publication that will be both available on the IHS web site and in a printed version.

Section 2: Editor of Hibiscus International (HI)

The Editor of Hibiscus International shall:

1) Be appointed by the Board of Directors and supervise and under-take the publication of Hibiscus International in both cyber and printed versions. In the event the Editor is unable to produce the cyber version, he will work in association with the Webmaster to accomplish the same, the latter having the right to arrange the content of H.I. as per the limitations of the cyber publication. The hard copy and cyber versions should be as identical as is reasonably possible considering different formats that may be used in each such version.

2) Gather pertinent information regarding hibiscus, IHS activities, and member activities for publication.

3) Write, or arrange for, editorials and articles for publication.

4) Edit all materials to be used in Hibiscus International.

5) Work independently of outside influence and adhere to the principles of good journalism and to the goals of the IHS.

6) Submit the cyber version of H.I. for Board of Director's approval via the Board of Directors' eList for presentation of preliminary materials prior to uploading to the IHS main web site. The Board of Directors' approval is automatic unless modifications are recommended within 48 hours after including any final changes on the IHS BOD Mail List. No comments withstanding during this period the Editor and/or Webmaster will upload the final version to the IHS main web site in a timely fashion. Once it is uploaded, the Editor and or the President may make the official announcements of the availability of the cyber version of H.I. Normally, the printed version of H.I. should not be mailed prior to the availability of the cyber version.

Section 3: Term of H.I. Editor

The Editor is appointed by the Board of Directors for an indeterminate term and serves at the pleasure and discretion of the Board of Directors.



Article 6: Government

Section 1: Board of Directors and Members

The government of the IHS is vested in the Board of Directors which consists of: the President; Vice President; Secretary/Treasurer; Asian Representative; Australian Representative; European Representative; India Representative; Pacific Representative; South American Representative; United States of America Representative, the Chairperson of the Membership Committee and the immediate Past President of IHS. The President, upon majority approval of the Board of Directors, may present to the general members a resolution to modify the number and title of positions for this governing body. A poll will be set up for a duration of not less than two weeks, and passage will require a two thirds majority of those participating in the vote. For the person who might be proposed for such a position, selected in the same manner, a simple majority of those participating in the vote is required for passage as per normal election.

1) Any cyber members of the IHS who have been, or will have been, a member for twelve (12) months, are eligible for nomination to elective or appointive office.

2) The Board of Directors will communicate on the IHS's Board of Directors mail list via email or other such means as may be decided by the Board of Directors.

3) Any member of the Board of Directors who brings discredit upon the IHS in any way, for any reason, may be removed from office by a two thirds (2/3rd) majority vote of the Board of Directors. Board members may also be removed for nonperformance which is defined as repeated failure to respond to the IHS's Board of Directors mail list communications in a timely manner, to be decided upon by a two thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 2: Officers and Duties

1) President:

A. The President is authorized to:

1) Preside over all Board of Executive communications on the IHS's Board List.

2) Keep abreast of all activities within the IHS.

3) Make an annual report and such other reports to the membership as deemed advisable.

4) Will be the guardian of all IHS internet accounts and passwords, and he will provide such passwords to the Vice President for safe keeping. He may also provide this information to such persons as may require access, e.g., webmaster. Only the President or alternative persons appointed by a two thirds majority of the Board of Directors may use this information to affect these accounts, as per the limitations outlined in the bylaws.

B. The President is elected for a two year term of office.

2) Vice-President:

A. The Vice President is authorized to:

1) Perform the duties of the President when the President is unable to do so.

2) Perform such other duties as are requested by the President.

3) The Vice-President is elected to a two year term of office.

3) Secretary/Treasurer:

A. The Secretary/Treasurer shall:

1) Record proceedings of the communications of the Board of Directors on the IHS's Board of Directors Mail List.

2) Provide a monthly report of the Board of Directors communications to the membership via publication in H.I. and/or by posting to the IHS Mail List. If posted to the Mail List it should be done by the 15th of the following month.

3) Receive, deposit and account for all moneys of the IHS.

4) Pay out all moneys under the direction of the Board of Directors.

5) Make periodic and annual financial reports to the membership and the Board of Directors.

6) Deposit all funds in the name of the IHS in a depository and advise the Board of Directors of said depository.

7) Submit the treasury records for audit at the close of the fiscal year to the person(s) appointed by the Board of Directors.

B. The Secretary/Treasurer is elected to a two year term of office.

Section 3: Chairperson of the Membership Committee

Chairperson of the Membership Committee shall organize, develop and implement ideas to increase membership in the IHS. Such ideas will be presented to the BOD for approval prior to implementation. The Chairperson may appoint members of the IHS to assist in this capacity. The Chairperson is responsible for making a quarterly report to the IHS Board, concerning the committee's efforts and its results.

Section 4: Representatives and Their Duties

Representatives shall be elected for a two year term of office to coincide with the term of the executive members and shall be elected by the members.

Representatives are direct ambassadors of the IHS in their areas. They assist in promotional, organizational or management areas and provide guidance as requested. They assist as a communication link between local organizations and the IHS.

Section
5: Webmaster and/or Mail List Moderator:

Webmaster and Mail List Moderator. These functional positions may be shared or managed separately. The person(s) so appointed by a 2/3rd majority vote of the Board of Directors, shall maintain the web site and Mail List to reflect the aims of the IHS in accordance with advice and/or instruction from the Board Of Directors.

Section 6: Editor of Hibiscus International

The Editor's duties are indicated in Article 5, Section 2 hereof.

Section 7: Vacancies

1) Should the President, during his tenure of office, resign or be unable to continue in office then his place shall be taken by the Vice-President.

2) Should both the President and Vice-President resign or be unable to continue in office then the Immediate Past President shall take over the duties of President. The designation "Immediate Past President" is herein defined as the last or previous president who has completed a full term. Likewise, should the newly elected president and vice president resign, only a president or vice-president having served a normal or full term should inherit that post once again.

3) Should a representative resign or be unable to perform his duties his position may be filled by the Board of Directors.



Article 7: Board Committees

As may be required, the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, may appoint committees. Such committees will be considered Special Committees and will cease to exist when their assigned task has been completed.



Article 8: Nominations and Elections

Section 1: Elections will be held during even numbered years.

Section 2: Nominating Committee

1) The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Board of Directors, a Nominating Committee Chairperson.

2) The Nominating Committee Chairperson shall form a committee consisting of at least one other member of the Society.

3) The Committee will prepare a slate (making a maximum effort to find multiple candidates) offering not less than one nominee for each elected Officer position. Permission of each nominee will be obtained. The Committee will present this slate to the Board of Directors as outline in Section 3 hereunder.

Section 3: Selection of Candidates for Board of Directors

1) Members with at least one year's membership interested in being a candidate for Executive office may be nominated by:

A. Notifying the Committee by private emails of such desire a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the last day of June in an election year.

B. Nominations of members with at least one year's membership may be made to the Committee by private email. The Committee will then contact the nominee to obtain an acceptance from that individual for the post to which he/she was nominated.

Section 4: Electoral Process

1) The Nomination Committee shall:

A. Advise the Board of Directors via the IHS's Board of Di-rectors mail list of the slate prepared by the Committee by June 30th.

B. Announce the final slate of nominees and declare the nominations closed via the IHS's List by June 30th.

2) The President shall prepare an official ballot via the chosen web host service prior to July 15th.

3) Each nominee shall present a brief resume and to Web Master prior to July 15th for publication on the IHS's web site and Mail List.

Section 5: Voting

1) All members of the IHS are entitled to vote in the election of Board of Directors.

2) The election will be conducted by voting on the Poll Option site no later then July 15th of the election.

3) The Nominating Committee will tabulate the votes. IHS MAL votes will be passed to the nominating committee via their cyber member correspondent and their votes will be manually added to the automated Egroups.com polling statement. This will constitute the final vote. Any questions concerning the validity of the voting procedure will fall under the authority of the outgoing Board Of Directors which is duly authorized to resolve such problems. The Nominating Committee, will an-nounce results and introduce the new officers to the membership via the IHS Mail List.

4) In the case of an exact tie between two or more nominees for any elective position, the membership will vote as per the above procedure for one of the nominees involved in the tie. The individual receiving the most votes will be announced as the new officer or director elect. This procedure may be repeated as often as necessary to gain a simple majority vote.

5) Results of the election shall be published in the next Hibiscus International immediately following introduction of new officers. Results shall include all votes cast.

Section 6: Incoming Officers

1) The nominee receiving the most votes for each elective position shall be elected.

2) Newly elected officers shall assume their duties immediately after installation by the outgoing President no later then July 31 of the election year.

3) The incoming President shall appoint a qualified member to fill any vacancy that may occur for any elective position of the IHS, with approval of the new Board of Directors.

Section 7: Board of Directors Decisions

All decisions of the Board of Directors shall be made by a simple majority vote of the Board members and in the case of a tied vote the President shall have a second or casting vote.



Article 9: Meetings

Section 1: Communication Channels

1) The Board of Directors shall communicate via the IHS's Board of Directors Mail List.

2) Any member of the IHS may bring an issue to the Board by means of private email to any officer on the Board of Directors or use of IHS's Mail List.

3) Any issue arising will be discussed as outlined above and the results posted on the IHS Mail List by the Secretary/ Treasurer.



Article 10: IHS Funds

Section 1: Incurring Liability and/or Obligation

Except as noted below, no member of the IHS may incur any liability or obligation in the name of or on behalf of the IHS without prior approval of a simple majority of the Board of Directors.



Article 11: Quorums

Section 1: Majority

A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum, specifically as concerns voting via the Board of Directors Mail List polling system.



Article 12: Activities

Section 1: Inurnment and Political Involvement Policies

1) No part of the net income of the IHS may, under any circumstance, inure to the benefit of any officer, director, member, private share holder or other individual.

2) No substantial part of the activities of the IHS shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.

3) The IHS shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

4) The IHS shall at no time conduct or participate in any activity not in keeping with the general principals of a non profit organization.

Section 2: Disposition of Funds Upon Dissolution Upon dissolution of the IHS, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the IHS distribute the assets of the IHS exclusively for the educational, charitable, and/or scientific purposes of the IHS directly or to an organization or organizations with legal nonprofit status.



Article 13: IHS Statutes Amendment

Section 1: Amendment of By-Laws or Statutes

The By-laws of IHS may be amended by a 2/3rd vote of members voting, a minimum of thirty (30) days previous notice having been given. Publication of proposed amendments in the next issue of Hibiscus International will normally suffice for such notice.



Article 14: IHS Web Site Features

The various programs and features of the IHS's web site shall be governed by the IHS's Board of Directors through the IHS Website Committee. Any member can recommend a modification, which may be subsequently authorized as of a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors via the Board of Directors Mail List polling feature. The poll will remain open for a minimum of Five (5) calendar days, but may be terminated and become effective as of the acquisition of a simple majority vote.



ARTICLE 15: Personal Liability

Section 1: Free and Harmless Clause

Neither the Board of Directors, nor any member or officer, shall have the power to bind the members or the individual officers of the IHS, personally. All persons or corporations extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claims against the IHS, shall look only to the funds and property of the IHS for payment of any debt, damage, judgment, or decree, or any money that may otherwise become due or payable to them from the IHS, so that neither the members nor the directors, nor the officers, past, present or future, shall be personally liable thereof.

Section 2: Indemnity

Except as otherwise provided by law, and only to the extent covered and actually paid by insurance policies, if maintained by the IHS, each member, director, and officer of the IHS shall be entitled, without prejudice to any other rights which he/she may have, to be reimbursed by the IHS for, and indemnified by the IHS against, all legal costs and other expenses reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with or arising out of any claim, action, suit or proceeding of whatever nature in which he/she may be involved as a party or otherwise or with which he/she may be threatened by reason of his/her having been a member or having served as a officer of the IHS or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted by him/her as such member or officer, whether or not he/she continues to be such member or officer at the time of incurring such costs or expenses, including amounts paid or incurred in con-nection with reasonable settlements (other than amounts paid to the IHS itself). No such reimbursement or indemnity shall be paid or made for any expense incurred or settlement made by such member or officer in connection with any matter as to which he or she shall be finally adjudged in any such action, suit or proceeding to have been derelict in the performance of his/her duty as such member or officer.

In no event shall anything herein contained be construed so as to obligate the IHS to indemnify any such member or officer against any costs or expenses incurred or settlement made in connection with any matter arising out of or resulting from his/her own negligence or willful misconduct. The IHS, its members, officers, and employees shall not be liable to anyone for making any determination as to the existence or absence of liability of the IHS hereunder or for making or refusing to make any payment hereunder on the basis of such determination or for taking or omitting to take any other action hereunder in reliance upon advice of counsel.



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Concerning IHS content (contributor’s comments, advice, etc.), imprecision exist due to the very nature of the plant realm, growing conditions, personal experience, etc.  Therefore, such content cannot be relied upon absolutely.  The Board takes all care but no responsibility for such errors or omissions and invites advice so that errors may be removed or corrected.

 
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Presidential Candidates: Wayne C. Hall
azwhall@att.net

Wayne Hall, a former Chicago Illinois resident, moved to Gilbert, Arizona in fall of 1998 when he was offered a position as a Stationary Engineer by Arizona State University in the Central Power Plant on the
Main Campus in Tempe, Arizona. Wayne is a Licensed Stationary Engineer, Certified Steam/Pipe Fitter, Certified Welder, and Certified Aircraft Welder. His specialty area was High Pressure Boilers of 100 PSI or higher and large tonnage Centrifical Water Chillers, 500 tons and larger. He is EPA Refrigerant Certified, and OSHA Certified Inspector. He has held positions of Service Manager and Field Operations Manager. In 1985 he went to Hong Kong to supervise the installation of Walk-in Coolers and freezers for the McDonald Restaurant Chain. Wayne bought his first Hibiscus in September of 1998, a Brilliant Standard. In 2001 he was Certified by the University of Arizona College of Agriculture as a Master Gardener. Became a member of the International Hibiscus Society in June 2000. He also holds membership in the American Hibiscus Society.


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Vice Presidential Candidate: Prof. Mark Albert H. Zarco
mzarco@edsamail.com.ph


Name: Mark Albert Zarco
Birthdate: November 10, 963
Marital Status: Single
Home Address: 26 Malinis St., UP Village Diliman, Quezon City 1101 PHILIPPINES. (632) - 921-6581.
Current Employment:
Professor, Department of Engineering Sciences, University of the Philippines, 304 Melchor Hall, Diliman Quezon City 1101 PHILIPPINES. (632) - 920-5301 local (5514/51531).  email: mzarco@engg.upd.edu.ph.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (cum laude), 1985, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101. PHILIPPINES.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering, 1987, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101. PHILIPPINES.

Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Enigneering), 1993. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburgs VA 24060.

Membership in Horticultural Societies:

1) International Hibiscus Society (IHS)
2) American Hibiscus Society (AHS)
3)
Philippine Hibiscus Society (PHS)

Publications on Hibiscus:
“The Hybrid Gumamelas of Los Banos, Laguna” Hibiscus International Volume 4 No. 2, April-June 2004.


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Secretary/Treasurer:
Sonny Stollings
dbroki22@comcast.net

Hi, my name is Sonny and I live in Maryland. I am 50 years old and have been raising hibs since 1983.
I started out with garden varieties in my hybridization program until the late 90s when I started raising cv's. I have over 500 hibs with 150 seedlings. I have been crossing the gv's with the cv's and have come up with some real beauties. I am totally devoted to raising hibs. I hope to one day have my own greenhouse so that I may increase my growing capacity. Currently, I winter my hibs in a 12 x 10 sunroom. This keeps them alive but they do not grow very well. Growing Hibiscus in Maryland can be very trying but I will continue to do what I love best.


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Asian Representative: Mr. Wilhelm Hing
blans_19@yahoo.com


Name: Wilhelm T. Hing
Address: 1875 Mabini St., Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines
Age: 30 years old
Date of Birth: July 19, 1974
Nationality: Filipino
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Profession: Nurse



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Australian Representative: Jim Purdie
purdiejj@optusnet.com.au


I live in Brisbane Queensland Australia, and I am a past President of the IHS and also I look after the TPC competitions for the IHS group.
I am a past President of the Australian Hibiscus Society Inc. and I am at present the Vice President of the Brisbane Branch of the society, Brisbane Branch Representative on the Executive Committee, Editor of the quarterly magazine "The Hibiscus", Chief Evaluator, Stationery Coordinator for the branches, Recorder for the Gold Coast Branch, Web Master for the Australian web site, and I also have a web site of my own,"Hibiscus at Purdie's". As you see my life is completely taken up with all things hibiscus.

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European Representative: Jean-Francoise Giraud
hibiscus@infonie.fr

Retired hibiscus and pot plants grower, I introduced the hibiscus in 1970 into the French market ; by lack of available cvs I begun my own crossings in 1971 untill 1985.
By way of retirement, in 1997, I begun again a special research programm using the most common cvs from the european market and year after year I introduced many exotic cvs and botanical species. I help and share with many growers and European amateurs in the purpose to improve and select the best cvs for the european conditions. Not only a hybridizer, I'm a strict selector and btw I try to let know to the hibiscus community the imperious necessity of improvement. Technical writer I use Internet and the Horticultural press to let know about the hibiscus. In the same spirit I helped and assist the construction of the International Hibiscus Society since the first days.


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Indian Representative: Francy Kakkassery Ph.D
kakkassery@yahoo.com

My name is Francy Kakkassery, Ph.D a Senior Lecturer , Research &
Postgraduate Department of Zoology, St.Thomas' College, Trichur, Kerala , India.
My state is very small, and lies in the tropical region (temp. is in between 24°C to 36°C), eastern side guarded with Western Ghats (an array of mountains with tropical evergreen forests) and western side is Arabian Sea. We get good monsoon rain at an average of 3000 mm per year. My wife, Tris is also Lecturer in English, working in nearby college.
We have two children, elder one is Joseph (7 years old) and younger one is Anna (4 years old). My ‘love’ to Hibiscus started only two years back and I am still trying to collect as many as possible . Now I maintain a small garden with 60 cvs, including wild types. Recently I started to hybridize, but I think that it will take more time to have expertise in this field. My wife, Tris also helps me to look after my garden. Here, the main difficulty in growing hibiscus is the attack of insects especially, beetles and aphids.
I hope that in coming years I can make a good garden with a good number of Hibiscus cvs. I have created a web site on Hibiscus with photographs from my region, http://flowersofkerala.nrksite.com/ if anybody wants to contact me, please send the email at kakkassery@yahoo.com.


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Pacific Representative: Richard Johnson
diveta@mail.pf

Richard Johnson, Dick to friends, was the founder of the IHS in May, 2000 and served as the first President. He has grown hibiscus for more than 25 years, but has become avidly interested as of around 1999. He is presently very active in hybridization and has around 250 cvs that are used as parent stock, about 400 potential keeper seedlings which he also uses in his hybridizing program and grows about 1,000 new seedlings each year. His passions are hibiscus, photography, computing, aquariums, diving and boating.

Dick is a marine biologist by profession with a Master of Arts degree, from Calif. State University, Long Beach. He has completed the equivalence of a PhD in biology, with that latter studies have been done at the University Of Calif. Los Angeles. For those studies and work experience he has been nominated for a PhD in biology with specializations in ichthyology and animal behavior. He is the author of numerous popular and scientific articles and a major publication on shark behavior, his field of specialization for over a decade, sold locally in the Pacific as "Sharks Of Polynesia" and elsewhere as "Sharks Of Tropical and Temperate Seas".

Dick is an American born US citizen, and since having arrived in French Polynesia as the On-Site Expedition Leader of a shark behavioral research project sponsored by the US Office Of Naval Research, National Geographic Society and CSULB, has become a naturalized French Citizen. He changed professions for 20 years at which time he owned an operated Tahiti's most complete nautical center specializing in excursions, water sports and rentals. He is a NAUI, PADI and CMAS *** international scuba diving instructor, as well as a recipient of the prestigious SSI Platinum honorarium for his extensive hours under water and contributions to the diving industry. He is currently retired living on the mountainous side of Tahiti at an elevation of about 1,000 ft where he and his hibiscus have a splendid view of the Pacific and the island of Moorea beyond in the direction of the setting sun.



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South American Representative: Constantino Garcia Dominguez
constagd1@netgate.com.uy

Born in Spain, 55 years ago in the rural area of "La Coruña", where my grandfather hybridized anything from roses to fruit trees, I came to live in Uruguay at age 9 ½ with my parents.
Here in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, I got my Bachelor Degree in Chemistry in 1970, Master Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1973 and PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1976. I also have a Master Degree in Bioengineering applied to Food Industry in 1978, and a Master Degree in Business Administration (1992). I also pursued further studies in Biology, Microbiology and Quantum Chemistry. Also related to the University, I was a Professor of Chemical Reactor Design for more than 10 years.

I can speak Spanish, Galician, Portuguese and English fluently and get across quite well in German, French and Italian.

Apart from working as fish monger through all my studies, plus being a Physics, Maths and Chemistry teacher in High School, once I got my first degree, I started to work in the Sugar Industry as Assistant Auditor for the government. Later I started to work for the Paint Industry as Quality Assurance and R&D Manager until in 1976 I changed to the The Coca-Cola Export Corporation(Uruguayan Branch of The Coca-Cola Company) where I was Quality Assurance Manager and later on Technical Manager until the branch closed down in Uruguay. Since 1994 I have worked as Technical and R&D Manager in Nortesur Ltda. , a big chemical product company.

As a hobby, I have been breeding Harzer Roller canaries for more than 30 years, and having been a member of the Uruguayan Harzer Roller Association, I won many prizes. In fact, later I became a member of the Board and National Judge for Harzer Roller and Colour canaries.

Sixteen years ago Maggie and I planted the first two Hibiscus in our backyard, red and white garden varieties, and ever since then we fell in love with these wonderful flowers. Two years ago I discovered what they call here "Hawaiian" type, and so our love affair with hibiscus grew wider. I began to search everything I could about hibiscus around the world and finally became a member of the IHS and other lists , and began to grow cvs in an organized way. I have even learned how to graft and grow them from seed. Although the garden varieties are very common in Uruguay, getting fine H. rosa-sinensis hybrids is very difficult so I had to search high and low to get the collection I have now (around 150 cvs.). We have become so involved with hibiscus that the poor birds now come in second.

Ever since we planted some beautiful hibiscus in our front garden our neighbours, our family and friends, and even the radio have been coming to marvel at their beauty and have also become very interested in growing them themselves, because up to now everybody new only the garden varieties, but not these glorious colour combinations.

My main objective is to hybridise and create new wonderful flowers and I still continue polishing my basic hybridizing plan and acquiring some more special cvs to include in it.

I have been married to Maggie for 22 years. She is a Teacher of English at the London Institute in Punta Gorda, Montevideo. We have three children: Jimena, 20, Francisco, 18, and Rodrigo, 14. Maggie and all our children are very musical. Jimena is a guitar teacher and plays with Maggie and other friends in Church. Francisco plays the guitar and sings very well, and Rodrigo plays the guitar and drums. I have yet to see an instrument they can't get a beautiful sound from. They all love hibiscus and have a scientific mind too. Apart from my children we have two dogs, Puma and Rocky who earn their food protecting our house from burglars. My email address is: constagd1@netgate.com.uy

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US Representative: David Franzman
dfranzma@pacbell.net


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