Another look at some beautiful national flowers
ONE of the things I find interesting when visiting a new country is to look at its national flower.
Every national flower represents the country and its people. Sometimes it represents the local culture or religion.
Some are chosen to represent specific geographic areas. Some countries conduct polls to choose a flower that is the most popular among the people.
Of course in Malaysia we are familiar with our own national flower – the Bunga Raya (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). The colour red symbolises courage, while the five petals represent the Rukun Negara.
Here’s a quick look at the national flowers of other countries and what they represent.
Taiwan Plum blossom (Prunus mume) was officially designated as Taiwan’s national flower in 1964. It is said to be a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
This is because the plum tree can bloom even during the harshest winters.
The triple grouping of stamens represents Dr Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People, while the five petals are said to symbolise the five branches of government.
Thailand The Thai national flower is the Golden Rain Tree (Cassia fistula) or Ratchaphruek. Besides being a popular ornamental, it is also used for herbal medicine.
It produces brilliant yellow flowers in pendulous racemes. The striking yellow flowers represent Thai royalty as well as Buddhism – the country’s national religion.
Indonesia Not satisfied with just one national flower, Indonesia actually has three. They are Melati Putih (Jasminum sambac), Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), and Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii)
Melati putih has a somewhat revered status among the people. It is widely found in Indonesia and grows readily in the tropical climate. The flower represents purity, sacredness, grace and sincerity.
It also depicts modesty and is often used for weddings. It is also commonly used during other religious or cultural ceremonies.
Laos Champa or plumeria (Calophyllum inophyllum), which is also known as yellow frangipani, is the national flower of Laos. It is a symbol of great pride for the people as it signifies sincerity and joy of life.
Champa can be found everywhere in the country, especially in monasteries and temple grounds. The fragrant flowers are used for making garlands for important functions.
Japan The cherry blossom or Sakura would have to be the country’s de facto national flower. Parties are held to celebrate the cherry blossom and the trees have become a tourist attraction for the country as well.
However, for Imperial Japan, the chrysanthemum remains the official emblem. In fact, it features on the Imperial Seal of Japan.
India For India, the national flower would have to be the lotus, which is known as Padma in Sanskrit. It is an aquatic plant found in ponds or lakes. The popular flowering plant is also cultivated for its leaves, seeds and roots. The seeds and roots can be eaten, while the leaves are used to wrap rice for cooking.
Officially declared the national flower in 1950, the lotus signifies spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth, and knowledge. Lotus is also known as a symbol of purity in the east as the flowers emerge from murky or even muddy water looking pure and clean. As such it is often referred to in spiritual terms. Both Hinduism and Buddhism use it as a symbol of divine beauty and purity.
Apparently it was also important to the ancient Egyptians, as it symbolised the sun, rebirth and creation because its petals closed at night and reopened with the rising sun. The plant also has a long lifespan and can even be revived after a long period of dormancy.
Australia In 1988, the Golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) was officially declared Australia’s national flower. It blooms in spring – usually in early September.
The large, fluffy, yellow flower heads – made up of bunches of tiny flowers – contrast with the deep green foliage. These are like the green and gold colours worn by Australian sports teams. The tiny flowers also have a sweet scent.
Netherlands There would be no doubt that the tulip is the national flower of the Netherlands or Holland. The flower signifies the arrival of spring. Tulips are also unique because they continue growing after being cut.
Did you know that tulips face the sun and will open more when it is warm and close when the temperature drops?
Renowned for their elegant beauty, tulips are among the most coveted for cut flowers globally. Apparently Holland is set to produce two billion tulips this year. Holland also produces 77 per cent of the world’s flower bulbs. It is no wonder than that the flower market contributes 10 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product!
I hope you have found this quick look at some national flowers interesting. Do send me an email if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Wishing you a very Happy New Year and happy gardening.