The LOTUS: Vietnam's National Flower

The people of Vietnam regard the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) 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.

In Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The Buddha is often depicted sitting on a giant lotus leaf or blossom. According to legend, he was born with the ability to walk and everywhere he stepped, lotus flowers bloomed.


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Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu

The RATCHAPRUEK: The Thai National Flower

The Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula Linn) tree bears beautiful yellow cluster-shaped flowers. You may see it in your country too as the "Golden Shower Tree". It is the national flower of Thailand mainly because of it's color that represents our beloved monarch -- H.M. the King.



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.


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Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu

The PANDUAK: Burma's National Flower

The Paduak (Pterocarpus Indicus) blossoms in tiny fragrant yellow-gold flowers after the first showers in April, coinciding with the Burmese New Year festival. It is the flower of the Burmese Rosewood tree and you will often see it on the hair of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's great lady.



Once in bloom, the entire tree turns gold overnight. The Burmese 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 Paduak can be found throughout the country. The wood of the tree is also used for making furniture.

The tree where it comes from is known as "Narra" in the Philippines (their national tree), "Sonokembang" in Indonesia, "Angsana" or "Sena" in Malaysia and Singapore, "tnug" in Cambodia, and "Pradu" in Thailand.


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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi


Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu

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

SOUTHEAST ASIA's National Flowers

They inspire our poets. Soften our hearts. They lift our moods and color our beloved country. They perfume the air, express our feelings, show our love...and most of all, they represent our entire nation. These are the national flowers of our region...








Be proud of who you are. Be proud to be Southeast Asian.


Which of these flowers is the most beautiful to you?


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SEE THEM ALL HERE:

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Philippines,
Vietnam, Singapore, Burma, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia.

The VANDA MISS JOAQUIM:Singapore's National Flower

Unlike most countries whose national flowers are found on other countries too, Singapore has the distinction of being the only nation to have a hybrid as its national flower and can only be found in Singapore.

Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was first discovered in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim in 1893 and registered in the same year. The garden at No. 2 Narcis Street off Tanjong Pagar is now the present site of Blk 7, Tanjong Pagar Plaza . A commemorative Vanda Miss Joaquim Pavilion was recently constructed in front of the block.

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.


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Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu