When you think about flowers, you might focus on their delicate appearance or their unique smell. Maybe you have a favorite flower that you like to grow in your own garden or draw in your favorite notebook.
Today, we are going to learn 10 fun facts about flowers, including some interesting flower facts you may have never heard before!
Let’s get started!
1. Fun Fact: The Largest Flowers in the World Smell Pretty Bad
There is some debate about which flower is the largest in the world. Some experts claim that the Rafflesia Arnoldii or “Monster Flower” is the largest, because a single bloom can grow up to three feet in diameter and weigh up to 15 pounds! Others would bestow the honor upon Amorphophallus titanum because it can grow up to 10 feet in height. But, unlike the Rafflesia, this rainforest plant is comprised of hundreds of small buds on a single stalk, rather than a single bloom.
One thing that is pretty universal amongst experts? Both flowers smell really bad, kind of like rotting flesh or meat. (Gross!) This is why both flowers also battle for the nickname of “Corpse Flower.”
2. Fun Fact: Broccoli is a Flower
We know what you’re thinking. There’s no way broccoli can be a flower. But it is technically true. Broccoli as we know it is harvested before its flower buds fully open, but we eat them just the same! Can you picture adding broccoli to a bouquet?
3. Fun Fact: Flowers Have Their Own Secret Language
Floriography, or the language of flowers, has existed for thousands of years. It was especially popular back in the Victorian era when flowers were used to communicate certain sentiments and emotions non-verbally.
For instance, a red or pink rose meant, “I love you,” but a white rose signified purity and innocence. Crocuses conveyed youth and cheerfulness, while lavender signified devotion. And the list goes on! It’s a whole language spoken solely in flowers that you can learn even today!
4. Fun Fact: Queen Victoria was all about Flowers
There is a reason why floriography was a big deal during the Victorian era. It’s because Queen Victoria was a huge flower fan! She loved flowers so much that she sometimes wore a floral wreath atop her head instead of a formal crown. The queen also incorporated extravagant floral arrangements into her wedding, setting a new standard and trend for British brides.
5. Fun Fact: The Most Expensive Flower in the World Might Surprise You
The single most expensive flower ever sold is the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid, a man-made flower that was developed and grown during an eight-year period. In 2005, it was sold at auction to an anonymous bidder for a staggering $200,000.
6. Fun Fact: The Rarest Flower in the World is Considered Priceless
The Kadupul flower is considered to be priceless because it is so fragile and rare. Found in Sri Lank, Kadupul flowers only last a few short hours. They bloom once a year at night and emit a lovely smell. But they wither away before dawn. These flowers are so fragile that they cannot be picked without causing damage to their delicate petals. For all these reasons, the Kadupul flower is truly priceless.
7. Fun Fact: Tulip Bulbs Were Once Used as a Food Source
During World War II, tulip bulbs became a reluctant part of people’s diets. They were eaten because of the mass hunger caused by food shortages. Though not the tastiest, they were pretty filling, and many families used tulip bulbs in place of onions.
8. Fun Fact: Some Flowers are Thermogenic
This means that they can generate heat to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Flowers are an essential food source for pollinators and an essential source of nectar for birds. Some flowers have even evolved to specifically attract bird pollinators. Super cool adaptations, don’t you think?
9. Fun Fact: Not All Flowers Use Photosynthesis
Speaking of adaptations, some flowers (like the Indian Pipe) don’t photosynthesize. Instead, they gather nutrients from decaying organic matter found in the soil. Talk about a unique survival strategy!
10. Roses Share Some Interesting Relations
Would it surprise you to learn that roses are related to almonds, apples, raspberries, peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines, and pears? They all belong to the same plant family, called Rosaceae. Said family includes a wide assortment of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.
Want to know another interesting fact? The seed pod, or “fruit” of the rose, is called a rose hip. Rose hips are used to make jellies and teas because they are loaded with Vitamin C. Who knew?
Well, there you have it. Flowers are pretty fascinating. Which interesting facts about flowers are your favorite?
