FLOWERS OF THE WORLD: 33 COUNTRIES AND THEIR NATIONAL FLOWERS

FLOWERS

FLOWERS OF THE WORLD: 33 COUNTRIES AND THEIR NATIONAL FLOWERS

Posted on October 4, 2020

In the floral world, the rose is king. Revered in poetry, film, theatre and music, it’s quite understandable
why the rose is the national flower of the United States, the United Kingdom and the Maldives. While
roses may be the flower of choice for many of the bouquets, boutonnieres, and centrepieces we deliver
in the Melbourne area, true beauty is found in the variety of flowers that make up some of the National
Flowers of the World. Flowers Across Melbourne has picked out our 10 favourite national flowers and
the countries they represent.
1. Golden Wattle — Australia
This fragrant shrub with its tiny explosions of yellow flowers is native to Australia’s Capital territory
and cemented in the country’s history. Literally. Some of the region’s first settlers used Acacias to
build their wattle and daub homes, subsequently coining the nickname “wattle.” Certain types of
Golden Wattle were even used by Aboriginals to craft weapons and tools.

2. Iris — France
The Iris, also called fleur-de-lis, has been officially representing the country of France since the 12th
century as both the country’s insignia and national emblem. Before that, it was the official flower of
the Roman Empire’s ruling class. The flower takes its name from the Greek word for “rainbow,” and
rightfully so; it comes in more than 200 different colours ranging from snow white to deep purple!
3. Lily of the Valley — Finland and Yugoslavia
This delicate plant has tiny bell-shaped flowers that smell extremely sweet, making it a favourite in
both perfumes and bridal bouquets. It flourishes in forests and any other cool, shady spot. The
flower is both a bane and blessing to gardeners. It’s a blessing because it grows in colonies and
spreads quickly. It’s a bane because—you guessed it— it spreads so quickly and can take over a
garden in a short amount of time.

4. Tulips — Holland, Hungary and Turkey

Despite popular belief, the perky tulip comes from Hungary where it travelled along with the Ottoman
Empire to Turkey before finally making its way to Holland. In fact, the tulip was once so popular that
during the 1600s there was an entire branch of Dutch commerce based around it.
5. Jasmine — Pakistan and Syria
The jasmine has been cultivated for thousands of years for its tiny, star-shaped flowers and
intoxicating fragrance. It’s simplicity and pure white colour symbolises purity and peace. Used in
cosmetics, perfumes, cooking, aromatherapy, garlands, as hair decorations and in various cultural
ceremonies, it’s easy to see why this is the favourite flower of multiple countries.
6. Sunflower — Ukraine
This cheerful flower was originally cultivated in the Americas before becoming the favourite national
flower of the Ukraine. In fact, 60% of the world’s sunflowers are now grown in Europe and Russia. In
traditional folklore the sunflower signifies fertility, solar power and vigour. This is highlighted by the
sunflower’s unique tendency to turn its “head” and follow the sun across the sky, drooping down
towards the ground when night falls.
7. Orchid — Hong Kong and Honduras
Orchids are extremely popular and widely cultivated. There are more than 25,000 different of the
flower with more being discovered each day. Orchids resemble the human face in that they have a
bilateral symmetry, perhaps explaining why they are so popular. These exquisitely unique flowers
are prized in decorations and bouquets and are featured in a traditional beverage called “Sahlep” in
Turkey. During the 16th century, the beverage made its way to London, England where it was sold in
street-side stalls before the introduction of coffee.
8. Chrysanthemum and Cherry Blossom — Japan
Japan is the only country on our list to claim two national flowers. Cherry blossoms bloom for just a
short time, and they signify the fragile beauty of life. While the cherry blossom is the national flower
of Japan, the chrysanthemum has been a symbol of the Japanese royal family for centuries and is
celebrated each year during the “Festival of Happiness.”
9. Pepper — Liberia
It may seem odd to see the pepper tree on our list; however, pepper berry sprigs and sprays can be
quite effective when used in seasonal flower arrangements. When you’re looking for a unique bit of
visual pop to add to an arrangement, the pepper’s got it.

10. Lotus — India

Basically an aquatic flower, lotus holds a great significance in Indian history. There is hardly any
painting or sculpture that doesn’t emphasis the beauty of the lotus flower. Growing in lakes and
ponds, this sacred flower occupies a significant position in the mythology of ancient India. In the
Hindu holy book – Bhagavad Gita, the lotus flower has been used as a metaphor for detachment.
This is because lotus grows in muddy waters and remains untouched. The flower also symbolises
beauty and knowledge as Saraswati – the Goddess of Learning is portrayed as seated on it.

11. Edelweiss – Austria

Known by its botanical designation of Leontopodium Alpinum, this mountain flower is one of
Europe’s best known. Referred to as Queen Flower, this short-lived star-like perennial belongs to the
sunflower family. Other than being pictured on Austria’s euro coins, this flower, traditionally used in
folk medicine, is considered a remedy in treating both abdominal and respiratory diseases.

12. Protea – South Africa

The artichoke-like appearance of the protea flower is a beauty in itself. It is available in several
different colour schemes, but the pink-coloured proteas are the most beautiful. They are considered
to be one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet, dating back to 300 million years. In 1735,
botanist Carl Linnaeus, also known as the father of taxonomy named and classified protea. The
name protea signifies Proteus, who is the son of Poseidon. Proteus translates to a shape-shifter,
and since the flower is found in a variety of different shapes and colours, this name best suits it.

13. Dwarf Poinciana – Barbados

Also referred to as the Pride of Barbados, although native to the Tropics of the Americas, this flower
can be found in both India and the Philippines. A heat-loving plant, the Pride of Barbados, produces
flowers throughout most of the year, with branches that are prickly and large leaflets for its leaves.
Featuring five sepals its flowers measure about 1 ½ inches across.

14. Black Orchid – Belize

With over 100 different varies of orchids that flourish in Belize, the national flower of Belize is that of
the Black Orchid. The orchid is also known by the name of cockle shell orchid or clamshell orchid.
Flowering almost all year round, this variety of orchid grows primarily on trees located in damp
areas. With bulblike, greenish-yellow clustered stems, which can vary up to six inches long, the
leaves are usually two to three in number.

15. Pacific Dogwood – British Columbia

The province’s official flower isn’t a flower—but rather a tree. The Pacific Dogwood was adopted as
the countries official flower in 1956. With bright, attractive blooms, the flower can grow in both a wild
and a cultivated form. Currently, the dogwood is only known to grow in British Columbia’s southwest
corner, with both Victoria and Vancouver Island being its only remaining homes.

16. Christmas Orchid – Columbia

This orchid is an epiphytic orchid, featuring succulent leaves and is endemic to the country of
Columbia. Much like the Columbian flag, the flower presents with a lip that is blue, red, and yellow.
Also known as the Cattleya trainee, this orchid was named after a Columbian botanist of the 19th
Century Jose Jeronimo Triana. Growing at levels of 1500-2000 meters above sea level, the
Christmas Orchid, due to destruction of its habitat, is classified as an endangered species.

17. Calla Lily – Ethiopia and Saint Helena

Also known as the Arum Lily, this flower is lovely and familiar in Africa and Swaziland. Most
commonly white in color, they can reach a height of up to 2-3 feet. The leaves, which are broad and
dark green, typically grow up to a length of eighteen inches. The center of the flower features a
yellow spadix of color and produces a delightfully sweet fragrance. The Calla Lily is Ethiopia’s official
flower because it grows in such abundance and the people of the country consider them a sign of
peace.

18. Bear’s Breech – Greece

Scientifically known as Acanthus mollis, this is the definite favorite of four floral emblems the country
embodies. Not only is it favored for its ornamental aesthetics, but also its use in the architecture of
both the Greek and Roman societies throughout the centuries. The curled foliage is most frequently
seen carved into stonework atop of columns or in the artwork.

19. Camomile – Russia

With a fruity, floral, aromatic fragrance, Camomile is in the daisy family. A native to Asia’s western
areas, this flower is known to grow freely and proliferately everywhere. With its various medicinal
uses, this flower is considered an essential remedy in central Europe. Blue chamomile oil is known
to be very soothing, with the addition of dried flowers that can produce a relaxing infusion.

20. Thistle – Scotland and Lorraine

Thistle a common name used for a flowering group of plants that present with margins that contain
sharp prickles. Their prickles will also be all over the plant—on both the stems and the leaves. The
prickles serve as a protective adaptation that makes the plant undesirable by herbivores.