Top 10 Flowers Representing ASEAN Countries

Rumdul Flower, also known by its scientific name Mitrella mesnyi (scientific name Melodorum fruticosum), grows to a height of 8 to 15 meters with a trunk diameter of 20 to 30 cm. The flower is widely seen on the streets of Cambodia and is the national flower of the country.

Its pale yellow flowers have a rounded shape with three petals spreading out and three others folding inward, each interspersed evenly. For centuries, the Rumdul flower has been compared to Khmer women: joyful, witty, and exuding a graceful and delicate beauty. When they dance in the traditional Apsara dance, they resemble celestial beings playing among the plants, bringing life and growth to all living things.

Singapore is known as a paradise for orchid flowers, with blooms found everywhere. Among the many varieties, Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid was proudly chosen as the national flower on April 15, 1981. This elegant orchid, with its delicate pinkish petals, was named after the woman who discovered it in 1893 – Mrs. Agnes Joaquim.

With its sharp beauty, the Miss Joaquim orchid has captured the hearts of flower lovers and is now widely cultivated across the Lion City. Today, visitors to the Singapore Botanic Gardens will be greeted by rows of these stunning Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids.

Daï Flower (also known as Champa Flower) embodies the spirit of the people. This flower is widely cultivated throughout Laos, especially near monasteries and stupas. The Champa Flower is the only flower that fully encompasses noble philosophical meanings, symbolizing the teachings of Buddhism, and the kind, gentle nature of the people of Champa.

For the people of Laos, the Champa Flower represents sincerity and joy in life. It is commonly used in ceremonies or crafted into garlands to welcome guests. During the traditional Bunpimay festival, Laotians often make Champa flower wreaths to wear in their hair for good luck, and visitors to homes are given a flower to pin to their shirts and a red or green thread bracelet as a symbol of happiness and health.

Simpor Flower (scientific name: Dillenia suffruticosa) features five large, bright yellow petals resembling those of the Mai flower. The leaves of the Simpor are large, oval-shaped, and the people of Brunei often use them to wrap food for travel, adding a charming cultural touch. Both the leaves and roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, helping with inflammation, itching, stomach pain, and overall health recovery.

The Simpor flower is a common motif in Brunei’s traditional crafts and even appears on the country’s 1-dollar coin. This flower can be found all over Brunei, especially along the rivers, like the Temburong River, as well as in swampy areas and white sandy regions. Occasionally, the Simpor is spotted on hillsides and mountain ridges.

Indonesia boasts not one, but three flowers that symbolize the country: Jasmine, Moon Orchid, and the Corpse Flower.

Jasmine (also known as Melati (scientific name: Jasminum sambac)) is a well-loved flower across many Asian countries, representing nobility and purity.

The Moon Orchid (or Anggrek bulan (scientific name: Phalaenopsis amabilis)) is a stunning bloom that grows all over Indonesia.

Lastly, the Corpse Flower (also called Bunga bangkai (scientific name: Amorphophallus titanum)) may emit a foul odor similar to rotting flesh, but it is a rare and extraordinary species, native only to Sumatra, renowned worldwide for its enormous size.

The flower representing the Philippines is the Arabian Jasmine (also known as Sampaguita) – scientifically called Jasminum sambac. This flower stands as a symbol of purity, humility, simplicity, and strength. It was officially declared the national flower of the Philippines on February 1, 1934.

This flower is white, with star-shaped petals that emit a sweet and distinctive fragrance. It features prominently in Philippine folklore, folk tales, and popular songs.

When talking about Myanmar, one cannot overlook the iconic flower of the country – Bird's Eye Fragrant Flower. Known by another name as Padauk (scientific name Pterocarpus indicus), this flower grows in small yellow clusters and has a subtle, pleasant fragrance. Locals believe the flower symbolizes vibrant youth, love, and romance.

Bird's Eye Fragrant Flower plays a significant role in the traditional and religious ceremonies of Myanmar. Additionally, some parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes.

For a long time, Pink Lotus (scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera) has been loved and revered by most Vietnamese people, with international recognition. The government has organized a vote for the National Flower among the public, and the lotus flower consistently receives the highest number of votes, surpassing other flowers like the peach blossom, apricot blossom, rice flower, and more. Growing in many ponds and lakes, the pink lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) holds a unique place in the spiritual and cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.

A flower that rises from the muddy waters to embrace the light, it symbolizes purity, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit against adversity. The image of the lotus flower plays a significant role in architecture, sculpture, and the literary and artistic works of the Vietnamese people, spanning many centuries.

The national flower of Thailand is the Golden Shower Tree (also known as the Ratchaphruek - scientific name: Cassia fistula), a bright yellow flower that blooms in stunning clusters. The Golden Shower Tree is a type of woody plant that can grow up to 10-20 meters tall, with vivid yellow flowers that hang in long, drooping bunches, measuring about 30-40 centimeters in length.

The Thai people regard the golden color of this flower as symbolic of Buddhism and glory, representing unity and harmony among the Thai people. The Golden Shower Tree is commonly planted along the streets of Thailand, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.

Hibiscus (scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), also known as Bunga Raya, was officially declared the national flower of Malaysia on July 28, 1960, and is featured on the country's coins. This vibrant five-petaled flower, usually in bright red, symbolizes the “Five Principles of Nationhood” — the national philosophy of Malaysia aimed at promoting unity and ethnic reconciliation. The red color represents courage. This species of flower is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it is large and dark red, it lacks a strong fragrance. Various hybrid and varietal forms exist, with petals ranging from white, yellow, orange, pink, to bright red, either single or double.