New Delhi: Countries choose national flowers based on cultural significance, symbolism, biodiversity, and public involvement. The process varies by country and can involve legislative action or public input. Some countries have a single national flower, while others have multiple flowers to represent different regions.
As the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2024 concluded in Islamabad, Pakistan, this article lists the national flowers of its member countries and their importance.
List of national flowers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries
- India: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Russia: Chamomile
- China: Plum Blossom
- Pakistan: Jasmine
- Iran: Water Lily
- Belarus: Common Flax
India: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The lotus is a significant symbol in Indian culture, particularly in Hindu mythology, where it is revered as a representation of detachment, beauty, and knowledge. Additionally, it is an aquatic flower with deep historical and cultural significance.
Russia: Chamomile
Chamomile holds great significance in Russia as the national flower, symbol of cultural heritage, and medicinal plant. It was declared the national flower in 1998 and is used in traditional medications for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Additionally, chamomile is associated with healing, rest, and tranquillity due to its aroma and is known for its blood lipid-lowering effects.
China: Plum Blossom
The plum blossom symbolises perseverance and faith in the face of hardship, reflecting the noble spirit of the artist through the flower in Chinese history.
Pakistan: Jasmine
Jasmine is Pakistan’s national flower and is important for many reasons, including its cultural significance, pleasant aroma in aromatherapy, skincare and hair care products, tea and kahwa, bangles, and role in Islamic ceremonies. In Arabic, jasmine is “Yasmin”, which means “gift from God”.
Iran: Water Lily
The water lily, known as Nilufar Abi in Persian, is Iran’s national flower and is important in Iranian culture and history. It symbolises Iran’s Solar Hijri Calendar, is featured in Achaemenid period reliefs, is reflected in Persian poetry, and is part of the Iranian people’s historical identity.
Belarus: Common Flax
Common flax is important to Belarus as the national flower and the only industrial crop grown for fibre over 50,000 hectares. Belarus has textile plants, like the Orsha Linen Mill, that process flax into linen fabrics for global markets. In 2022, Belarus was the sixth largest exporter of flax fibres, with main destinations including China, Lithuania, the United States, India, and Latvia.
Other SCO member countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan do not have official national flowers.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The SCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, started as the “Shanghai Five” in 1996. It included China, Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The organisation was officially formed in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, and later welcomed Uzbekistan as its sixth member.
Before Belarus joined, the SCO had nine members: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO focuses on addressing security issues in Asia, with its members representing 40 per cent of the world’s population. The combined GDP contribution of the member countries is over USD 23 trillion.
