The SAMPAGUITA: National Flower of 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.


Photo credit: Nimrodel.net



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. Declared the Philippine national flora by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934.

It is known as "Kampupot", "Melati" in Malaysia and Indonesia and happens to be one of Indonesias national flower as well. We call it "Dok Malee" [ดอกมะลิ] in Thailand.


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Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu