This blog aims to promote understanding and awareness of ASEAN among Thai youths, school practitioners and any seekers of ASEAN knowledge.
National Flowers of 10 ASEAN Countries
Simpor is the
national flower of Brunei.
The Simpor
(Dillenia Suffruticosa) tree has large bright yellow petals
and large leaves. When fully in bloom, the petals spreading out like an
umbrella. The image of the Simpor flower is found on the Brunei one-dollar bank
note. It is also widely used in Brunei in art design for traditional
handicrafts. The Simpor is commonly found along the rivers in Brunei, especially
the Temburong River, and also at swamp or white sand areas. Most parts of the
tree have multiple uses, for instance, the treatment of wounds.
Rumdul is the national flower of
Cambodia.
The Rumdul (Mitrella
Mesnyi) bears a small yellowish-white flower with a single alternate leaf.
The flower produces a distinctive fragrance which is prominent in the evening.
Due to its attractive scent, the Khmer women had often been compared to the
Rumdul flower during the ancient times. The Rumdul tree, which grows to a height
of 8 -12 meters, can be seen almost everywhere in Cambodia, and is often planted
as a decorative tree in public parks.
Moon Orchid is the national flower of
Indonesia.
The Moon
Orchid or Angrek bulan (Phalaenopsis
Amabilis) is one of Indonesia’s three national flowers. The other two are
Jasminum sambac and the Rafflesia arnoldii. The Moon Orchid is one of the
longest blooming orchids. The inflorescence are branched and can last from two
to six months before dropping. The Moon Orchid usually blooms two to three times
a year once it has reached maturity. It thrives in moist temperature so it is
widely found in the lowlands of Indonesia.
Champa is the national flower of Laos.
The Dok Champa (Plumeria) is the national flower and official symbol of Lao PDR. The waxy flower with a sweet scent can be found in many colors: red, yellow, pink and multiple pastels. For the Lao people, Dok Champa represents sincerity and joy in life. The flower is often used as a decoration in ceremonies or made into a garland to welcoming guests. The Dok Champa blooms everyday and lasts a long time. The trees are planted throughout the country and in particular, can be seen near the monastic areas.
Bunga raya is the national flower of Malaysia
The five-petaled Bunga raya (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) has been Malaysia’s national flower since 1960. Symbolically, the five petals of the bunga raya represent the “Five Principles of Nationhood” – Malaysia’s national philosophy in strengthening national unity and tolerance -- while the red colour represents courage. The flower can be found throughout the country and parts of the Bunga raya’s shrub have medicinal and cosmetic uses.
Padauk is the national flower of Myanmar.
The
Padauk (Pterocarpus Indicus) blossoms in tiny fragrant
yellow-gold flowers after the first showers in April, coinciding with the
Myanmar New Year festival. Once in bloom, the entire tree turns gold overnight.
The Myanmar people regard the Paduak tree as the symbol of strength and
durability. The beautiful flower also signifies youth, love and romance. The
flower plays an indispensable part in traditional and religious ceremonies. The
Padauk can be found throughout the country. The wood of the tree is also used
for making furniture.
Sampaguita Jasmine
is the national flower of
the Philippines.
the Philippines.
The Sampaguita
Jasmine (Arabian Jasmine) was adopted as the national flower
of the Philippines since 1934. The Sampaguita bears a white, star-shaped flower
which blooms for the full year. The flower opens at night and lasts for about
one day, producing a unique sweet scent. For the Filipino people, the flower is
the symbol of purity, simplicity, humility and strength. Its blossom is
celebrated in Philippine legends, stories and songs. It is believed that the
flower was brought from the Himalayan areas to the Philippines in the 17th
century.
Vanda Miss Joaquim
is the national flower of Singapore.
The best known orchid in
Singapore is the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim. The
orchid is a hybrid and was named after its breeder. The orchid bears an
exquisitely beautiful (purple) color and shape. It blooms throughout the year.
Its unique features won it the status of the official national flower of
Singapore, over forty contenders, in 1981. Vanda Miss Joaquim is commonly
planted in Singapore.
Ratchaphreuk is
the national flower of Thailand.
The
Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula Linn) tree bears
beautiful yellow cluster-shaped flowers. The Thai people regard its yellow hue
as the colour of Buddhism and the colour of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually
from February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony of the Thai people.
While the flowers are blossoming, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright
yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek is widely known in
Thailand and is grown in abundance along the roadsides.
Lotus is the national flower of
Vietnam.
The people of Viet Nam regard the Lotus as one of the four graceful flowers and plants, along with the pine, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Known as the ‘flower of the dawn’, the Lotus is found throughout the country at lakes and ponds. To the Vietnamese, the lotus is the symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future. The elegance of the lotus is often cited in the Vietnamese folk songs and poems.
The people of Viet Nam regard the Lotus as one of the four graceful flowers and plants, along with the pine, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. Known as the ‘flower of the dawn’, the Lotus is found throughout the country at lakes and ponds. To the Vietnamese, the lotus is the symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future. The elegance of the lotus is often cited in the Vietnamese folk songs and poems.