A national flower is much beloved by the people of, and also symbolizes, a particular country. The way a national flower is chosen differs from country to country, but very few are designated through legal means; rather they may be a motif of the imperial crest, or a flower seen as being closely related to the history and culture of that country. The Japanese national flower is not something that was legally designated.

Japan has two national flowers: the cherry, the symbol of spring, and the chrysanthemum, which is beloved as the flower of autumn. In Japan, there is a strong impression that the chrysanthemum blossoms in the fall, but there are in fact many varieties of the flower that can be enjoyed from early summer through to late fall.

The National Flower of Malaysia: Hibiscus

Hibiscus is the officially designated national flower of Malaysia. The red of the petals symbolizes the courage, life, and rapid growth of the Malaysian people, and the five petals represent the five Rukun Negara or National Principles of Malaysia: Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Supremacy of the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Courtesy and Morality.

The National Flower of South Africa: King Protea

Some 1,500 varieties of the protea family exist, but the spectacular king protea is the national flower of South Africa. It sports a large flower with a diameter of between 20 and 30 centimeters and, while in bloom, suggests the pomp of a regal crown. In the language of flowers, it is said to “carry the majesty of a king.”

The National Flower of Mexico: Dahlia

Growing at high altitudes, the dahlia has been loved for its beautiful colors and shape since ancient times. The dahlia was designated the national flower of Mexico in 1963. It is cultivated both for its aesthetic qualities and as an edible flower, and research into its medicinal effects is currently ongoing.