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As February arrives, tourists flock to Baguio City to celebrate the month-long festivities of the Panagbenga, a flower festival which may be translated into “the season to bloom.” From the famous floral parade to street dancing and other events, the Panagbenga is a tribute, not only to the country’s lush blooms, but also to the “Love Month”–as during this season, flowers are the medium of choice in expressing our feelings.

But aside from the typical roses we send out or receive on Valentine’s Day, our country teems with other flowers that deserve the spotlight.

1. Sampaguita (National Flower of the Philippines)

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Scientific Name: Jasminum sambac

Sampaguita, which is also Indonesia’s national flower, comes from the words Sumpa kita or I promise you. Like the rose, Sampaguita is a symbol of love and devotion. It hails from the family of Jasmine, and is commonly used in making garlands. In the culinary scene, it makes waves in the form of tea and ice cream.

Because the Sampaguita loves heat, it grows perfectly in a tropical country like ours where the soil stays moist and not soggy.

2. Ilang-ilang

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Scientific Name: Cananga odorata

Also known as the “Perfume Tree,” the Ilang-ilang originated in the Philippines. With its bark that can reach to about 80 feet tall, the Ilang-ilang boasts of a sweet, fresh scent, as well as leggy blooms with long, curving narrow petals of a greenish-yellow color.

In the Philippines, Ilang-ilang is a symbol of femininity and sensuality. With its calming scent, Ilang-ilang also used as in essential oils and floral perfumes.
When planting this flower, the hot water treatment of the seeds is the first step. This bloom thrives in humid lowlands and with teak trees.
3. Camia

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Scientific Name: Hedychium coronarium

Commonly known as “White Ginger” outside the Philippines, the Camia is a wild flower, characterized by white petals with shades of yellow and crinkled margins. The Camia easily thrives in damp soil. Stem cuttings can be used to develop new plants.

The sad news though is that this flower had landed a spot on the Philippines’ endangered list. Its mature seeds may be used in hair and skin treatments.

4. Hasmin

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Scientific Name: Jasminum

Hasmin or Jasmine is often associated with love and romance. Like the Sampaguita, it is used in garlands for religious events and wedding ceremonies. It is also the national flower of Pakistan.

With its strong and sweet smell, it is a very popular fragrant oil used in the production perfume, soap, and lotion. Meanwhile, Jasmine Tea is not really made from the flower, but from green tea infused with Jasmine fragrance. Jasmine flowers are not edible and should not be brewed.

5. Cadena de Amor

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Scientific Name: Antigonon leptopus

Cadena de Amor is the Spanish term for “Chain of Love”–called such because of its white and dainty pink blooms that look like little hearts in chains. Romantics say that this flower can be compared to a fickle lover who’s here today and gone tomorrow, because the blooms live only for a week before falling off its vines.

According to local reports, the Cadena de Amor is used for closing wounds by the Ifugao migrants in foothills of the Sierra Madre. Meanwhile, Thailand uses its leaves and flowers in flavoring their noodles.

Sources:

Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236971471_Cadena_de_Amor_Antigonon_leptopus

Sampaguita Flower Meaning


http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/tropicalflowers/sampaguita

http://www.practicalgardening.blackdovenest.com/2009/09/camia-aka-hedychium-philippinense-or.html

Jasmine Flower Meaning