Discovering the Diversity of Flowers: Pictures and Descriptions
When we think of flowers, we often imagine a colorful bouquet of roses or a perfectly arranged bunch of daisies. However, the world of flowers is much more diverse than what we see in our everyday lives.
From desert flowers to tropical blooms, and from trees to shrubs, the diversity of flowers can be staggering. Flowers come in an array of sizes, shapes, colors and fragrances, and each serves its unique purpose. Here, we explore some of the lesser-known flowers and their intriguing characteristics.
The Corpse Flower: Also known as the titan arum, the corpse flower is recognized as the world’s largest flower. It may not be the most pleasant smelling messenger in nature, but it is certainly eye-catching. This flower opens up for only a few days in a year and emits a pungent odor similar to rotting flesh to attract flies for pollination.
The Passion Flower: This exotic vine is known for its striking colors that range from red to lavender. This plant’s intricate flower structure is something to marvel at. The Passion Flower gets its name from its resemblance to the crucifixion story, represented by its five-petaled structures or sepals that represent the five stigmata of Christ, and circle of ten petals representing the ten apostles present during crucifixion.
The Snowball Hydrangea: This flower is pretty popular in the garden world, but few can resist its enchanting white blooms shaped like fluffy cotton balls. The Snowball Hydrangea is a versatile shrub that can thrive in various soil types and sun exposures, making it an excellent choice for any garden.
The Plumeria: This tropical flower usually comes in bright pinks and yellows, with their fragrance infusing the air. Plumeria flowers are beautiful and multi-layered, making them popular for use in leis and as hair decorations. These flowers also have a rich cultural significance in Hawaii and other Pacific Island cultures.
The Canna Lilly: This beauty can be spotted in gardens, parks and even in water features. This eye-catching blossom grows up to six feet tall and often comes in shades of red, orange, and yellow, though it is known for evolving in different colors globally. It has a history of medicinal use that goes back to ancient civilizations, where the seeds of the canna lily were used as an early drug or anesthetic for treating inflammation and chronic pain.
These are just a few examples of the diverse world of flowers. With over 300,000 types of the plant worldwide, there is something for everyone to discover. Whether you are planting a garden or seeking out more unusual blooms, get ready to explore the wonderful and intricate world of flowers.