There’s an old saying, “Flowers speak the language of love.” Maybe that’s why flowers are traditionally given to people you love on special occasions. But, actually, I think it’s because everyone just loves flowers! Flowers can both beautify your landscape and brighten up your home. Just looking at a flower can make you feel happier and at peace.
While all flowers are beautiful in their own special way, some really stand out. Below are 7 of what I think are some of the most unusual flowers in the world.
1. The Corpse Flower (Rafflesia arnoldii)
Growing over 3 feet in diameter, this flower is one of the largest in the world. But, unlike most flowers, this one does not release a heavenly aroma. In fact, it’s one of the most foul smelling. It’s called the corpse flower for good reason – it smells like rotting flesh. Also, unlike most flowers, these flowers have no stem and no leaves. They are very rare and difficult to find in the wild. They only grow in the rainforests of Indonesia.
2. Snake’s Head (Fritillaria meleagris)
This flower grows wild in the damp soil of meadows and grasslands in Eurasia. It’s name is derived from the flower’s unusual checkered pattern that resembles snakeskin. It’s also known as chess flower, frog cup, guinea hen flower, leper lily or just fritillary.
3. Pitcher plant (Nepenthes spectabilis X ventricosa)
This plant is not only unusual due to its appearance, it’s also carnivorous! Inside the “pitcher” of the plant is a digestive liquid that consumes any insect, small bird or animal unfortunate enough to fall into its trap. Different varieties of pitcher plant can be found all over the world.
4. Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedioideae calceolus)
The Lady’s Slipper is so named due to its protruding center petal that resembles a slipper. Different species of the plant can be found in North America and Europe. The plant was almost extinct in England, but was saved by scientists and is now a protected species there.
5. Night-Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
This flower is so unusual that parties have been thrown to celebrate it. This is probably due to the fact that it only blooms one night per year and gives off one of the most heavenly scents of any flower. It grows in the high desert at elevations between 3,000 to 5,000 feet. It’s also unusual due to the fact that the flower’s root can weigh up to 15 pounds!
6. Sea Holly (Eryngium Maritimum)
The Sea Holly can be found along most of Europe’s coastline. It’s unusual for its prickly center and startling, bright blue/violet color that is very rarely seen in flowers. While its native habitat is coastline, it can also be grown in other areas and does best in poor soil that receives little rain.
7. Buddhist Udumbara Flower
Udumbara is the name given to the flower and fruit of the Ficus racemosa tree. Like most trees in the fig family, the flower grows inside of the fruit, so it’s very rarely seen. Buddhist tradition states that the flower only blooms once every 3,000 years and, even though it is small, the flower gives off a strong, lovely scent.
