The Annual Pakistan Flower Showis held at Sea View Park,Karachi by the Horticultural Society of Pakistan in collaboration with DHA and Cantonment Board Clifton. This magnificent show is organized in the spring season with the display of wonderful variety of plants and flowers, garden decorations, and various artistic installations. The Annual Pakistan Flower Show was established in 1948 and held every year in February. There is an exotic flowers competition which is participated by a large number of individuals, organizations, amateurs and professionals in various categories. The Annual Pakistan Flower Show attracts tremendous amount of visitors from whole of the country for the heavenly floral pants. The main purpose is to promote the idea of clean and green environment in Karachi and create the awareness for the affection of plants.
The Annual Pakistan Flower Show – Karachi – Image: Raja Islam
The Annual Pakistan Flower Show of Karachi provides the aesthetic delight to the people for its soothing and calming effect on their nerves and it also spreads message of love, harmony and tolerance in society.
Here are some spectacular photographs of the Annual Pakistan Flower Showfor you;
Gorgeous Plants - The Annual Pakistan Flower Show
Gorgeous plants at the annual Pakistan Flower Show – Image: Ali 123surfer
Fantastic floral exhibition – The annual Pakistan Flower Show
Fantastic floral exhibition – The annual Pakistan Flower Show – Image : Ali 123 surfer
Magnificent Cactus Plant : The annual Pakistan Flower Show
Magnificent Cactus Plant – The annual Pakistan Flower Show – Image: Kalim Qureshi
Fabulous Butterfly full of flowers – The Annual Pakistan Flower Show
Butterfly full of flowers – The Annual Pakistan Flower Show – Image courtesy – dawn.com
A catchy floral presentation – The Annual Pakistan Floral Show
A catchy floral presentation – The Annual Pakistan Floral Show – Image: Kalim Qureshi
Rose is an exotic flower which has remained a symbol of love, passions and beauty since many centuries. Rose is considered as “King of the Flowers” and the Red Rose is particularly known as “Flower of Love”. Would you believe that the oldest fossils of the Rose have been found in Colorado, dating back to more than 35 million years ago. Today, there are more than 100 species of Rose which range from white, red , pink to many other showy and bright colors. Rose is endemic to Asia and it is thought to be cultivated firstly in Persia. Rose has attained remarkable significance in the ancient cultures and civilizations. Roses were very sacred in the ancient Egypt and were used as offerings for the Goddess Isis. According to Confucius there were tremendous literature available in the Imperial Chinese library about Roses.
Today Rose is a universal ornamental plant which is grown almost everywhere on the planet earth. Netherlands is the largest exporter of the Rose flower in the world. Rose is specially known as a commercial perfumery and commercial cut flower crop. Roses are not only grown as landscape plants and for hedging but they are also useful for many medicines and food items. Roses are favorite flower for the purpose of gifting across the world. There is a long debate about the original sub species of the Rose family, however according to an estimate, there are 100-130 genuine rose species existing in the world. Following are some of the splendid Rose species ;
Wild Rose or Prickly Rose : Rosa Acicularis:
Rosa acicularis is commonly known as Prickly Rose ( Image : Lynette Schimming )
Rosa Arkansana or Prairie Rose:
Rosa Arkansana is known as Prairie Rose ( Image : Doug Waylett )
Rosa Bracteatae of China
Rosa bracteatae, - China, (Trelissick, Cornwall) Image : Helge Vindenes
Rosa Persica – The Rose of Central Asia
Rosa Persica - The Rose of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia ( Image: Sepehr Sharifzadeh )
Rosa Banksiae – Lady Banks Rose of China
Rosa Banksiae: Lady Banks Rose of China ( Image : Sigusr0 )
Rosa Gallica : The French Rose
Rosa Gallica: The French Rose * Image : FFEEDDEE
Rosa Foetida : Persian Yellow Rose or Austrian Copper Rose
Rosa Foetida: Persian Yellow Rose / Austrian Copper Rose ( By Bumblebee )
Rosa Carolina : The Carolina Rose of USA
The Carolina Rose ( Rosa Carolina ) Image : Herman Giethoorn
Rosa Moschata : The Musk Rose of Himalayas
Rosa Moschata / Musk Rose ( Himalayas ) Image : Peter Karlsson
Rosa Kordesii
Rosa Kordesii ( Image : Peter Karlsson )
Rosa Glauca : The Redleaf Rose
Rosa Glauca is also known as Redleaf Rose ( Image: Chrisser )
Rosa Gymnocarpa : The Wood Rose of North America
Rosa Gymnocarpa is also known as Wood Rose or Dwarf Rose ( Image: Van Swearingen )
Rosa Dumalis : Glaucous Dog Rose
Rosa Dumalis or Glaucous Dog Rose ( Image : Kari Pihlaviita )
Rosa pimpinellifolia or Burnet Rose
Rosa Pimpinellif or Burnet Rose of Europe By Peter Orchard
Rosa Majalis : Cinnamon Rose of Siberia
Rosa Majalis: Cinnamon Rose ( By Sevrozt )
Rosa Pisocarpa: Cluster Rose or Swamp Rose
Rosa Pisocarpa is also known as Cluster or Swamp Rose ( Image: By Arboreal Boids )
Rosa Nutkana : Nootka Rose of North America
Rosa Nutkana : Nootka Rose of North America ( Image: By Dale Hameister )
Rosa Palustris : Swamp Rose of North America
Rosa Palustris or Swamp Rose ( Image : Thomas Lamp )
Rosa Moyesii : The Shrub Rose of China
Rosa Moyesii is a shrub rose from China ( Image: Per.Aasen )
Different countries of the world select their endemic plants or flowers to represent their geographical location. A flower was used primarily by Canada and Australia as the national symbol and later it was followed in many countries of the world. Some countries have followed their centuries old historic or religious significance of any particular flower of plant and adopted that officially. The SAARC ( South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ) countries including Pakistan, India , Afghanistan, Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , Nepal , Bhutan and Maldives have also declared their National Flowers. Following is the respective detail of the National Flowers of SAARC countries of the world;
1- National Flower of Pakistan ( Common Jasmine )
Jasmine ( Chameli ) The National Flower of Pakistan
In Pakistan, this flower is called as ‘ Yasmin ‘ which is a Persian word meaning ” A Gift of Nature”. In the local language, Jasmine is also known as ‘Chanbeli‘ . Pakistan has ideal warm and tropical climate foe the growth of all of the species of Jasmine. The exotic color of Jasmine is considered as the symbol of peace. With the fantastic fragrance and different petals together, Jasmine symbolizes the unity of the people of different cultures and languages in Pakistan.
2- National Flower of India ( Lotus )
Lotus : National Flower of India
Lotus is considered a very sacred flower in India and the evidence for their affiliation with the Indian culture and Hinduism can be found from their history and ancient Indian mythology. According to the Hindu beliefs, the Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and enlightenment. Although Lotus is commonly known as “Water Lily”, but in India it is known as Lotus. This aquatic plant is grown in small water bodies throughout in India and the flower floats on broad leaves.
3- National Flower of Sri Lanka ( Blue Water Lily )
Blue Water Lily or Purple Water Lily was declared as the National Flower of Sri Lanka on February 26, 1986. In the local language, this flower is known as Nil Mahanel and the scientific name of this flower is ‘Nympheae Stelleta’. Blue Water Lily symbolizes truth, purity and discipline and it has tremendous significance in Buddhism. Normally this magnificent flower is grown in shallow waters and it is found in all parts of Sri Lanka.
4- National Flower of Bangladesh (White Water Lily)
White Water Lily : The National flower of Bangladesh
The national flower of Bangladesh represents peace and lovely nature. This is known as “Shalpa” in the local Bengali language. Bangladesh is a land of rivers, lakes and streams. So the Whitle Water Lily is found everywhere in the country. White Water Lily or Shalpa contains numerous petals which represent several rivers of Bangladesh. Shapla is also a favorite food tem for the people of Bangladesh; especially the stem and fruit of this plant are liked a lot for eating.
5- National Flower of Nepal (Rhododendron arboreum )
National Flower of Nepal ( Image by Kea660 on flickr )
This bright and red flower is produced by a small tree which is endemic to South Asia. This is the national flower of Nepal. The name denotes “tending to be woody or growing in a tree-like form”. These shrubs like trees are scattered in the hilly area of Nepal and the beautiful flowers blossom in the Spring Season. This plant is suitable for woodland gardens. The Mountains of Nepal become colorful like red, white or pink during the blooming season of Rhododendron. ‘This flower is known as ‘Lali Gurans’ in the Nepali language.
6- National Flower of Bhutan (Blue Poppy)
Blue Poppy : The National Flower of Bhutan ( By: Dhillan Chandramowli)
The National Flower of Bhutan is locally knows as “Euitgeal Metog Hoem” but scientifically it called as Meconopsis grandis. Commonly this splendid flower is known as “Blue Poppy” which is grown on higher altitude. The plant of Blue Poppy is a rare species and its growth has been severely depleted. Blue Poppy is a hardy perennial flowering plant. It is herbaceous and blooms in summer. The flowers are huge and are about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Despite its pretty and delicate appearance the blue poppy has the power to endure harsh weather, especially winter, and blooms to its full beauty in spring.
7- The National Flower of Maldives (Pink Rose)
Pink Rose "National Flower of Maldives" ( Image : Sally Nelson )
The people of Maldives give a high regard to Finifenmaa which is known as Pink Rose in general. From more than 100 species of the family Rosaceae the Pink Rose is also a member and the climate of Maldives is highly suitable for its growth. The Pink Rose is botanically identified as Rose polyantha and it was declared as the National Flower of Maldives on 25th July 1985.
8. The National Flower of Afghanistan ( Tulip )
Tulip is the National flower of Afghanistan
Tulip is considered the national flower of Afghanistan. Although Tulip is very much associated with Netherlands and other European countries but only few of us know that this magnificent flower was originated in the Pamir and Hindukush mountain ranges of Afghanistan and central Asia. In the Persian empire Tulip was named as “Laleh” and it was grown in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other parts of Central Asia.
In 1818 , in the rainforests of Java , during an expedition a huge and strange flower specie was discovered by an Indonesian guide working for Dr. Joseph Arnold . It was named as Refflesiain the name of Sir Stamford Raffles, the then Governor of Bencoolen in Sumatra and who was heading the expedition.
Rafflesia is deemed to be the largest flower specie on earth, and its homeland is the rainforests of South East Asia. Rafflesia is a very rare flower requiring a special condition of humidity and warmth for it to blossom. From a bud to become a complete flower, Refflesia needs seven to nine months and it blossoms only for 4 to 5 days. Its powerful smell like perished meat spreads in the area when it is bloomed fully. So far 28 species of Refflesia have been identified by the botanists and all are found in southeastern Asia, on the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. Some species of Rafflesia flower could be as big as 120 cm in diameter and weigh up to 10 Kilograms.
This amazing plant has no stems, leaves or roots. The only part of the plant that can be seen outside the host vine is the five-petaled flower. Before blooming a cabbage size bug is produced. The normally visible fleshly flower is basically its sexual organ. Commonly the male and female flowers are separate but in some species , they have bisexual flowers as well. Rafflesia is classified as parasite, getting the nutrient out of its host.
Refflesia has been used in different ways by the locals. In Thailand, young buds of the flower are eaten as popular feast. In Peninsular Malaysia, Rafflesia buds are used by women to prevent internal bleeding and compress the womb after delivery. Men use it as an energy drink or as amorous remedy. However, the buds and flowers of Refflesia carry high content of tannin and carbolic acid and their excessive use can be so dangerous and lethal.
