ASEAN National Flowers (Part 2)

Myanmar

'The Paduak' (Pterocarpus Indicus)

Features:

*The people of Myanmar regard this flower as a symbol of strengh and durability.

*As beautiful as it is, it also suggests youth, love and romance.

* It plays important roles both in religious and traditional occassions.

*Can be seen everywhere in Myanmar.

*The wood of this plant is used to make furnitures.

The Philippines

'The Sampaguita Jasmine' (Arabian Jasmine)

Features:

* Adopted officially as the National flower of the Philippines in 1934.

*It blooms for the full year.

*It is a star-shaped white flower.

*It has a sweet and unique smell and at night the flowers open.

*The flowers can wilt in a day.

* The flower represent the Filipino people as purity, simplicity, humility and strength.

Singapore

'Vanda Miss Joaquin'

Features:

*Singapore has adopted this flower as its National Flower in 1981.

* The most common type of flowers planted in Singapore.

*It is a mixture of one flower with another (hybrid)

*It is named after its breeder.

The flowers are purple and they bloom throughout the year.

Thailand

'The Ratchaphruek' (Cassia Fistula Linn)
Features:

* It is a well-known flower in Thailand.

*It is cluster-shaped.

*The colour of the flower, which is yellow is regarded as the colour of Buddhism and glory.

*The flower also represent unity and harmony of the Thai people.

*When blossoming, the leaves will shed off from the tree, while the beautiful yello flowers would hang on its branches.

*Can be found everywhere in Thailand.

Vietnam

'The Lotus'
Features:

*Also known as the 'Flower of the Dawn'.

*Can be found in the lakes and ponds.

*It symbolises the purity, commitment and optimism for tomorrow.

*The beauty of this flower is often mentioned in the Viatnamese folk songs and poems.