It’s common knowledge that flowers make everything better for an office space, a dining table, a living room, even a hospital bed. Flowers are one of the things on this earth that’s naturally beautiful, and with thousands of species, it’s no wonder that flowers are a business on their own. In fact, the floral industry is considered a high industry to be in, especially in developing countries.
So if you are a flower connoisseur or just a plain enthusiast who wants to learn more about these wonderful creations, you are in the right place! In this article, we’ve collated some of the most curious flower facts for your further education and entertainment. You can never have too many known flower facts!
There are at least 70 species of sunflowers
Yep, you’ve read that right. One of the fascinating sunflower facts is that there are at least 70 species of it. And they’re not always yellow—well, they are mostly, but the intensity and hue of yellow differ. There are also orange, apricot, and red varieties, even ombre ones. Contrary to common belief, sunflowers are native to North and Central America. But today, there is at least one flowering sunflower anywhere in the world.
Another fun fact about sunflowers is that you can eat their seeds fresh from the flower. You can also toast or air dry them. Just make sure that the seed is already ripe before planting them! Sunflower oil is an excellent source of vitamin D, which makes sense because sunflowers follow the sun’s direction while they’re blooming!
Gerbera daisies will help you fall asleep
Are you having trouble with insomnia? Well, you don’t have to worry, because a flower will solve that for you! Gerbera daisies are known to help increase melatonin levels in the body, which causes drowsiness and eventually falling to sleep. The flowers also absorb carbon monoxide and toxins in the night and emit oxygen. Plus, gerbera daisies usually come in bright and saturated colors, so it can easily spruce up your room with no effort!
Gerbera daisies are easy to propagate. You can grow them from seeds or ask for a seedling from a friend who may have them, or by division. The cheapest option is the seed route 01, but division and seedling will give you more predictability in terms of what flower colors you’ll have.
Roses are within the same family as almonds
Roses are arguably the most popular flowers in the world. They’re planted, harvested, and sold at almost any grocery, flower shop, and even farmers’ markets. Sending roses is always a grand gesture, and depending on the color of the rose you are giving, you can convey a specific message without saying much.
But one thing that most people don’t know about roses is that they come from the same family as almonds, apples, and cherries. Other relatives to the rose are nectarines, plums, and pears. Another tidbit of information that most don’t know about roses is that they’re perennials of the woody kind, and not shrubby. There are at least three hundred species of roses, with thousands of different varieties.
Tulip bulbs can be substituted for onions
Cooking something in the kitchen and you found out you’re already out of onions? Well, check your vase for tulip bulbs if you have them because these bulbs are actually great substitutes for onions! Like some flowers, tulips are edible. In fact, in the olden days, tulips and tulip bread were eaten by people who can’t afford wheat. Tulip can even be used as the key ingredient for wine!
Saffron is from a flower
You may have heard of saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, but what you may have missed is that the spice comes from a flower which is the crocus flower. Saffron is expensive because the crocus flower is labor-intensive to grow, and usually blooms in fall. As a spice, its usage range from coloring and seasoning. The spice has long been believed to originate from Iran.
Saffron threads are basically harvested from the violet crocus flower, with two or more threads per bloom. These saffron threads are then dried. The crocus flower isn’t naturally occurring in the wild; unlike other flowers, they are not capable of independent sexual reproduction. Iran coincidentally is the biggest exporter of saffron worldwide.
Takeaway
Flowers, whichever kind it is, will certainly brighten your day. Research is key when it comes to what species your location and weather will favor if you are planning on a flower garden. A quick survey of your surroundings will give you an idea of exactly what flowers are compatible with your living conditions. Don’t complicate the process, and when you buy your seeds, get it from a trusted seller!
Image source: BigStock.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Nature, Reviews
