What Is The National Flower of Taiwan?

What Is The National Flower of Taiwan?

Plum blossom is the national flower of Taiwan. Prunusmumeseibold is the scientific name of Plum blossom and it is commonly known assume, ume, Chinese pulm“mei” or “meihua”and Japanese apricot in Taiwan. It is also known as”flowering plum”, “winter plum” etc. Plum blossom was titled Taiwan’s national flower on July 21, 1964. China has 2 national flowers- Plum Blossoms is considered a national symbol and tree Peony is the national favorite.

Plum blossom, China’s national flower symbol, symbolizes resilience and diligence in the face of great adversity because Plum blossoms bloomluminously in the cold, harsh and snowy weather of winter. Plum blossoms also symbolize purity, beauty, strength, valor, hope and it is the harbinger of the spring.

Facts About Taiwan’s National Flower

  • Common Name:  Plum blossom, Mei, Meihua
  • Genus:  Prunus
  • Species:  Mumeseibold
  • Found in:  Thin forests, streamsides, forested slopes along trails, mountains, and regions of cultivation
  • Color:  White, pink and red
  • Number of petals:  5
  • Size:  2–2.5 centimeters
  • Time of blooming:  Early February
  • Purpose:  Ornamental and herbal use
  • Symbolism:  Strength, valor, hope, perseverance

Plum Blossom Description

Taiwan’s national flower, the Plum blossom is considered the king of the top ten famous flowers and the queen of flowers. Plum blossom belongs to the family of Roses and it has a very strong fragrant scent. Plum blossom is a short-lived tree. In East Asia, it begins to bear flowers in the middle of the winter season (early February). Plum blossoms are typically 2–2.5 centimeters in diameter. Plum Blossoms are available in shades of white, pink, and red. It has 5 oval-shaped petals. The five petals represent the Republic’s 5 branches of the Chinese government. Each of the petals also symbolizes one of the five blessings or happiness- longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and the desire to die naturally at an old age.

In Taiwan, Prunusmume has over three hundred documented cultivars. Taiwan has a long history of using and enjoying the plum tree and its flower. Plum blossoms have been treasured in gardens and around homes in China for over two thousand years. So, the national flower of Taiwan, the Plum blossom has historical importance for Chinese people. In the fifth century, Chinese princesses and court women began to use plum blossoms for beautification. Many poets of the Chinese Song Dynasty wrote poems about the plum blossom and made it popular.

two red plum flowers closeup in the winter

In Chinese tradition, the Plum blossom is also well-thought-out as one of the 3 Friends of Winter accompanied by bamboo and pine because of its resilience during the winter. Plum represents winter as one of the Four Plants of Virtue. Taiwan’s Plum Blossom can be used as herbal tea and it has been used for many centuries in the practice of Medicine in Taiwan. Plum blossoms often appear as decorative themes in traditional dresses(e.g. kimonos), and they also appear in jewelry. Plum blossom is cultivated nationwide in Taiwan and it is highly available everywhere in Taiwan. Because of being very popular among the countrymen and because of the various uses of the flower for the people of Taiwan, naturally, it is selected as the national flower of Taiwan.

To sum up, due to the plentiful use in medicines, drugs, culture, and literature, the Taiwanese people are fond of plum blossom and for this reason, the Plum blossom has become the national flower of Taiwan.

LEAVE A COMMENT:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *