Flowers are one of the most beautiful and diverse creations of nature. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and fragrances. Some flowers are common and can be found in many gardens and bouquets, while others are rare and elusive.
Top 10 Rarest Flowers in the World
In this article, we will explore the top 10 rarest flowers in the world, and what makes them so special and unique.
Middlemist’s Red ( Camellia japonica ‘Middlemist’s Red’)
Middlemist’s Red is considered to be the rarest flower in the world. It is a cultivar of the camellia, a flowering plant native to Asia. Middlemist’s Red was brought to England from China in 1804 by John Middlemist, a nurseryman. The flower has a stunning deep red color and a delicate fragrance. There are only two known specimens of this flower left in the world: one in Chiswick House in London, and one in Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand.
Corpse Flower ( Amorphophallus titanum)
The corpse flower is one of the largest and most foul-smelling flowers in the world. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and 3 meters wide. It is native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. The flower blooms only once every several years, and only for a few days. When it blooms, it emits a strong odor of rotting flesh, which attracts pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies. The corpse flower is also known as the titan arum or the devil’s tongue.
Jade Vine ( Strongylodon macrobotrys)
The jade vine is a rare and spectacular flower that grows in the Philippines. It is a member of the pea family, and has long, claw-like clusters of turquoise-green flowers that can reach up to 3 meters long. The jade vine is pollinated by bats, which feed on its nectar at night. The jade vine is endangered due to habitat loss and deforestation.
Chocolate Cosmos ( Cosmos atrosanguineus)
The chocolate cosmos is a rare and beautiful flower that smells like chocolate. It is native to Mexico, where it is extinct in the wild. The only surviving specimens are clones of a single plant that was collected in 1902. The chocolate cosmos has dark brown or maroon petals that resemble velvet. It blooms from midsummer to autumn.
Ghost Orchid ( Dendrophylax lindenii)
The ghost orchid is a mysterious and elusive flower that grows in Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. It is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants without harming them. The ghost orchid has no leaves or stems, only roots that attach to the bark of trees. The flower is white or pale green, with long petals that look like ghostly wings. The ghost orchid blooms only for a few weeks between June and August, and is pollinated by a specific species of moth.
Franklin Tree ( Franklinia alatamaha)
The Franklin tree is a rare and extinct flower that was native to Georgia, USA. It was discovered in 1765 by John and William Bartram, two botanists and explorers. They named it after their friend, Benjamin Franklin. The Franklin tree has fragrant white flowers with yellow centers, and red foliage in autumn. The last wild specimen died in 1803, and the only surviving plants are cultivated in gardens and arboretums.
Parrot’s Beak
( Lotus berthelotii) The parrot’s beak is a rare and endangered flower that grows in the Canary Islands. It is a member of the pea family, and has bright red or orange flowers that resemble the beak of a parrot. The parrot’s beak is pollinated by sunbirds, which are extinct in the Canary Islands. The flower is also threatened by habitat loss and invasive species.
Kokia Cookei ( Kokia cookei)
The kokia cookei is a rare and critically endangered flower that grows in Hawaii. It is a member of the mallow family, and has striking red flowers that can reach up to 25 cm in diameter. The kokia cookei was discovered in 1860, but was thought to be extinct by 1950. However, in 1970, a single plant was found on the island of Molokai. The plant was propagated by cuttings and seeds, and now there are about 23 plants in cultivation.
Gibraltar Campion ( Silene tomentosa)
The Gibraltar campion is a rare and rediscovered flower that grows in Gibraltar. It is a member of the carnation family, and has pink or purple flowers with white centers. The Gibraltar campion was first collected in 1804, but was not seen again until 1994, when it was rediscovered by a botanist on the cliffs of Gibraltar. The flower is protected by law and conservation efforts.
Night-Blooming Cereus ( Selenicereus grandiflorus)
The night-blooming cereus is a rare and spectacular flower that grows in the deserts of Mexico and Central America. It is a member of the cactus family, and has large white flowers that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The night-blooming cereus blooms only once a year, at night, and wilts by dawn. The flower has a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as moths and bats.
Conclusion
These are some of the rarest flowers in the world, each with its own unique beauty and story. They are also some of the most threatened by human activities and environmental changes. We hope that this article has inspired you to learn more about these amazing plants, and to appreciate their value and diversity.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the rarest flower in the world?
A: According to some sources, the rarest flower in the world is Middlemist’s Red, a cultivar of the camellia that has only two known specimens left.
Q: What is the largest flower in the world?
A: The largest flower in the world is the Rafflesia arnoldii, which can grow up to 1 meter in diameter and weigh up to 10 kg. It is native to Indonesia and Malaysia, and has a foul odor of rotting meat.
Q: What is the smallest flower in the world?
A: The smallest flower in the world is the Wolffia globosa, which can be as small as 0.3 mm in diameter. It is a type of duckweed that floats on water, and has no roots, stems, or leaves.
Q: What is the most expensive flower in the world?
A: The most expensive flower in the world is the Juliet rose, which was created by a breeder named David Austin after 15 years of work. It was unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2006, and cost £3 million to develop.
Q: What is the most fragrant flower in the world?
A: The most fragrant flower in the world is subjective, but some candidates are jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, lily of the valley, freesia, rose, orchid, lilac, lavender, and honeysuckle.
Q: What is the most poisonous flower in the world?
A: The most poisonous flower in the world is also subjective, but some candidates are oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, monkshood, angel’s trumpet, castor bean, autumn crocus, daffodil, hydrangea, and rhododendron.
Q: What is the oldest flower in the world?
A: The oldest flower in the world is uncertain, but some fossils suggest that it could be Montsechia vidalii, a water plant that lived about 130 million years ago. It had no petals, sepals, or nectar, and was pollinated by water currents.
Q: What is the most common flower in the world?
A: The most common flower in the world is also uncertain, but some candidates are daisy, sunflower, rose, orchid, lily, carnation, tulip, and chrysanthemum.
Q: What is the national flower of Bangladesh?
A: The national flower of Bangladesh is the water lily, which is also known as shapla. It has white or pink petals and a yellow center, and grows in ponds and lakes. It symbolizes purity, beauty, and resilience.
Q: What is the meaning of different flower colors?
A: Different flower colors can have different meanings, depending on the culture and context. Some general meanings are:
- Red: love, passion, romance, courage, respect
- Pink: admiration, gratitude, appreciation, grace, happiness
- White: innocence, purity, sympathy, peace, honor
- Yellow: friendship, joy, cheerfulness, optimism
- Orange: enthusiasm, excitement, warmth, creativity
- Purple: royalty, dignity, elegance, mystery
- Blue: tranquility, serenity, loyalty
- Green: growth, renewal, health
- Black: death, mourning, sadness