“A flower blossoms for its own joy” – Oscar Wilde
Exceptional and colorful flowers are nature’s way to say “Hello.” Flowers are one of the easiest gifts to give to convey deep and strong feelings. Fresh-cut flowers in floral arrangements are sure to brighten someone’s whether to celebrate a special occasion or to surprise your dearest loved ones. Flowering plants can be classified into two categories – exotic and endemic. Endemic are the ones that can be present and grown only in a specific type of geographic condition. While exotic flowers may be native to a certain land but when introduced or moved to a foreign place, they immediately adapt and flourish.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the top 10 most exotic flowers that we can see around the world!
They are also known as Strelitzia reginae or crane flowers and they are physically unique and attractive. Bird of Paradise resembles royalty, fidelity, magnificence, independence, success, and optimism. They belong to the Strelitziaceae family and were brought originally to Kew Gardens in England in 1773 by Sir Joseph Banks, a well-known British botanist then, and were named Bird of paradise because of their similarities to colorful woodland birds. This flower represents faithfulness and freedom. It’s an excellent choice as a gift when you want to make a long-lasting impression.
Tulips belong to the Liliaceae family. They represent perfect love, wealth, and perseverance. These flowers are a perfect fit for bouquets and vases or box-filled arrangements. They are generally cup-shaped with 3 petals and 3 sepals. Their height varies in ranges from 6 inches to 2 feet and each stalk grows 6 wide leaves.
This captivating flower comes in a variety of vibrant colors ranging from pink to purple and red to orange and has a pleasant herbal scent. They grow wild in the tropical regions of Asia, South America, Indonesia, Asia, and Africa. The exotic celosia is like “brains” due to their intricate curly shape and is surely a standout when added to any floral arrangement. A head turner that makes everyone stop and stare indeed!
This captivating flower comes in a variety of vibrant colors ranging from pink to purple and red to orange and has a pleasant herbal scent. They grow wild in the tropical regions of Asia, South America, Indonesia, Asia, and Africa. The exotic celosia is like “brains” due to their intricate curly shape and is surely a standout when added to any floral arrangement. A head turner that makes everyone stop and stare indeed!
Lotus is the national flower in India and Vietnam. It has a broad native range that stretches from Central and Northern India through Northern Indo-China and East Asia. The Lotus flower resembles rebirth, enlightenment, purity, and self-regeneration. Such a dreamy flower right? Lotus flowers have a unique structure and are one of the treasured wonders of the Eastern world.
A heart-shaped bloom represents abundance, prosperity, and hospitality. Anthuriums are incredibly beautiful and unique flowers especially if you’ve ever seen them in person. Despite their exotic appeal, they are very easy to maintain and have the longest vase life. They are also known as laceleaf, flamingos, and tall flowers. Remember to place them away from direct heat or sunlight when filling a vase with these beauties.
Let me introduce to you South Africa’s national flower, Protea, one of the best and most gorgeous exotic flowers. The term Protea came from Greek mythology, son of Poseidon, Proteus is said to have been a shape-shifter. This truly makes sense since proteas are present in a wide variety of physical sizes and forms with over 1,500 species.
This type of lily is famous in wedding bouquets and looks gorgeous in a vase at home. They are simple but elegant and easy to take care of. An eye-catching trumpet-shaped flower with a long white stem and a yellow spadix rising from the center gives the impression of grace and purity to the customer.
This type of exotic flower originated in tropical America and is widely known across the world’s hotter climates. Butterflies are extraordinarily fond of Passion Flowers. They thrive in part shade or full sun and well-drained soil. It is one of the most eye-pleasing flowers you would ever see. The crown of thorns that was worn by Jesus on the day of His death is depicted by the circle of hairlike rays above the petals.
Do you want to know some fun trivia about Amaryllis? This type of flower is native to the tropical regions of South Africa and present in different colors such as pink, red, white, orange, and other various bi-colors. In Greek Mythology, a shy maiden named Amaryllis deeply fell in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Apollo’s beauty and Hercules’ strength, but her affection was not reciprocated as Alteo only loved flowers. According to him, he would only love a girl who bought him a new flower. Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi in hopes to win his heart over by offering and giving him the thing he desired the most – a flower that had never been seen anywhere else and like no other. Following his instructions, Amaryllis made her way to Alteo’s door for 30 nights dressed in maiden’s white, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. At last, upon opening his door, he noticed a striking flower sprung from the blood of Amaryllis’ heart.