Like animals, national flowers are also symbols representing the country. Some national flowers have cultural or religious roots dating back a whole lot and even hundreds of years and will or may not have been officially adopted.
The meaning of the national flower is different in each country.
Various processes were used to adopt these symbols; some are awarded by government bodies, while others are the results of informal public polls – the identical way countries would really like to make a decision on their national animals.
The term floral emblem, which refers specifically to flowers, is principally utilized in Australia and Canada. In the United States, the term state flower is more commonly used.
Now let’s get to know each national flower of the countries of the region:
VIETNAM
National flower: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The people of Vietnam consider the Lotus to be certainly one of the 4 graceful flowers and plants, together with pine, bamboo and chrysanthemum.
Known because the “dawn flower,” the lotus is found throughout the country in lakes and ponds. For the Vietnamese, the lotus is a logo of purity, commitment and optimism for the longer term. The elegance of the lotus is commonly quoted in Vietnamese folk songs and poems.
MYANMAR
National flower: Padauk (Pterocarpus Indicus)
Paduak blooms with tiny, fragrant yellow-gold flowers after the primary rains in April, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year festival.
After blooming, your complete tree turns golden overnight. The people of Burma consider the Paduak tree a logo of strength and sturdiness. An exquisite flower also means youth, love and romance. The flower plays an irreplaceable role during traditional and non secular ceremonies.
Padwaks may be found everywhere in the country. The wood of this tree can be used to make furniture.
BRUNEI
National flower: Simpor (Dillenia Suffruticosa)
The Simpor tree has large vivid yellow petals and huge leaves. When in full bloom, the petals unfolded like an umbrella.
The image of the Simpor flower appears on the Brunei one-dollar banknote. It can be widely utilized in Brunei within the artistic design of traditional handicrafts.
Simpor is usually found along Brunei’s rivers, especially the Temburong River, and in swampy or white sand areas. Most parts of the tree have multiple uses, equivalent to healing wounds.
INDONESIA
National Flower No. 1: Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis Amabilis)
The moon orchid or Angrek Bulan is certainly one of the three national flowers of Indonesia.
Moon Orchid is certainly one of the longest blooming orchids. The inflorescences are branched and might last from two to 6 months before falling off. The moon orchid normally blooms two to thrice a 12 months once it reaches maturity. It grows in humid temperatures, so it is usually present in the lowlands of Indonesia.
National flower No. 2: Melati (Jasmine Sambac)
National Flower No. 3: Rafflesia Arnoldii
CAMBODIA
National flower: Rumdul (Mitrella Mesnyi)
Rumdul has a small yellowish-white flower with one alternate leaf. The flower produces a characteristic scent that’s noticeable within the evening. In precedent days, the Khmer flower was often in comparison with the Rumdul flower due to its attractive scent.
The Rumdul tree, which grows to a height of 8-12 meters, may be seen almost in all places in Cambodia and is commonly planted as a decorative tree in public parks.
MALAYSIA
National flower: Bunga Raya (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis)
LAOS
National Flower: Dok Champa (Plumeria)
Dok Champa is the national flower and official symbol of Laos. The sweet-smelling wax flower is available in many colours: red, yellow, pink and plenty of pastels.
For Laos, Dok Champa represents sincerity and joy of life. The flower is commonly used as a decoration during ceremonies or made right into a garland to welcome guests. Dok Champa blooms daily and lasts a protracted time. Trees are planted throughout the country, especially near monastery grounds.
PHILIPPINES
National flower: Little Jasmine (Arabic Jasmine)
The Sampaguita jasmine has been recognized because the national flower of the Philippines since 1934. Sampaguita has a star-shaped white flower that blooms all 12 months round.
The flower opens at night and lasts for a couple of day, producing a novel sweet scent. For Filipinos, the flower is a logo of purity, simplicity, humility and strength. Its flourishing is well known in Filipino legends, stories and songs. It is believed that the flower was brought from the Himalayas to the Philippines within the seventeenth century.
SINGAPORE
National flower: Singapore orchid (Wanda, Miss Joaquim)
This orchid is a hybrid and was named after its breeder.
The orchid has an exceptionally beautiful (purple) color and shape. It blooms all 12 months round. Thanks to its unique characteristics, it was granted the status of the official national flower of Singapore in 1981, out of over forty contenders. Vanda Miss Joaquim is widely planted in Singapore.
THAILAND
National flower: Ratchaphruek (Cassia Linn Fistula)
The Ratchaphruek tree has beautiful cluster-shaped yellow flowers. Thais consider its yellow shade to be the colour of Buddhism and the colour of glory.
Ratchaphruek blooms yearly from February to May and symbolizes the unity and harmony of the Thai nation. During flowering, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only vivid yellow flowers on the branches. Ratchaphruek is widely known in Thailand and grows in large numbers along roadsides.
Source: Various sources incl Vietnam.net and Wikipedia
