NATIONAL FLOWERS OF THE WORLD

Why some countries have picked beautiful blooms to represent them

- NIKOLE ROBINSON

ROSE ENGLAND

Roses have long symbolised love and beauty, but the Tudor rose became an emblem of peace marking the end of civil war in medieval England. In 1485, Henry VII combined the red rose of the House of Lancaster and the white rose of the House of York to symbolise the end of the Wars of the Roses and the union of the two houses in marriage.

THISTLE SCOTLAND

The spear thistle is one of many thistle species native to Scotland. Legend says that during the Battle of Largs, sleeping Scotsmen were alerted to a Nordic ambush when one of the invaders stepped on the prickly plant. His cry of pain roused them from sleep, allowing them to repel the threat and defend their homeland.

DAFFODIL WALES

Until the 19th century, the leek was the sole botanical symbol of Wales. The Welsh name for the daffodil, cenhinen Bedr, translates to Saint Peter's leek, which may explain its rise to national status. These bright-yellow flowers are in full bloom for Saint David's Day on 1 March, which celebrates the country's patron saint.

SHAMROCK IRELAND

Although clovers do flower, it's their three heart-shaped leaves that have become synonymous with Ireland. It was revered by Celtic druids as a natural representation of the Triad, or the power of three. Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, later adopted it to symbolise Christianity's Holy Trinity: the father, the son and the holy spirit.