Flower Meaning and 10 Types of Flowers and Their Meanings
Meaning of flower
A flower is that part of shoot modified for sexual reproduction. Flowers are usually produced in groups on a special branch of the shoot known as inflorescence.
Some flowers however occur singly on the axil of a leaf on the stem. Such flowers are said to be solitary. Example is seen in the common Hibiscus or China rose and pepper.
A flower consists of four main parts known as floral leaves. These floral leaves are arranged on a receptacle in form of rings called whorls. The flower is attached to the stem branch by a stalk called the pedicel. Some flowers like Aspilia and sunflower have no pedicel. Such flowers are said to be sessile.
The four floral leaves consist of:
1. Sepals or Calyx
2. Petals or Corolla
3. Stamens or Androecium
4. Carpels or Gynoecium or Pistil.
Flowers are more than pretty things; they are responsible for the reproduction of plants and are absolutely essential.
Let us learn more about them.
Plants are majorly classified on basis of presence or absence of flower into flowering and non- flowering plants.
A flower is a characteristic feature of flowering plants and is actually an extension of the shoot meant for reproduction. Flowers are attractive and appear in different colours and shapes to attract pollinators who help in pollen transfer.
Also Read: Leaf or Leaves: Meaning, Types and Functions
10 Types of Flowers and Their Meanings
If you are looking for the perfect bouquet for an occasion, knowing more about the symbolism of the flowers you select can make the gift even more meaningful.
Keep reading our guide on some of our favorite types of flowers and their symbolism so that you can make a smart purchase today.
1. Carnations: These ruffly flowers are perfect for the romantic on a budget. White and pink carnations are popular amongst high schoolers during Valentine’s Day for their low price and sweet sentiment. They stand for new love and have a cheerful blossom.
When purchasing carnations, stick with solid pink and white colors, as mixed or yellow carnations symbolize disdain.
2. Irises: Purple is the color of royalty, so it’s no wonder that these flowers stand for faith and hope. While the most popular color of the Iris flower is blue, they also come in white and yellow.
The Iris is named after the Greek Goddess, Iris who was thought to link the heavens with the earth and was often personified as a rainbow. These flowers were placed next to graves to help the deceased pass on to the next life before becoming the flower of France, and the Fleur-de-lis.
Irises grow naturally all over the world and are an excellent gift for someone you admire.
3. Lavender: This sweet-smelling flower is given to others as a sign of devotion. The scent is calming and is also great for anyone who needs calming or stress relief.
There is no surprise that these are a popular flower, with their unique look and therapeutic qualities. This is a great flower to plant in your garden and backyard so that you can enjoy the lovely aroma.
4. Roses: Red roses are Valentine’s Day and Anniversary celebration staples due to their symbol of love and beauty.
They have symbolized such perfection since ancient times, as the Ancient Romans and Greeks associated roses with the goddesses of love, Venus and Aphrodite.
These flowers are can also be pricey, which makes them feel even more special. While red roses are the most popular, other colors of roses have other associations. Yellow roses are a sign of friendship, white roses signify innocence, and pink roses are given to those as a form of admiration.
5. Tulips: Often associated with spring and Easter, these flowers reflect perfect love with their small, simple layered bloom. They originated in Persia and Turkey, where they were used in wedding ceremonies. The red tulips are most associated with this idea of perfect love and unity.
Yellow tulips are usually given as gifts to those who need a little cheering up, while white tulips are given to ask for someone’s forgiveness.
6. Sunflowers: These bright flowers reflect warmth, loyalty, and happiness. These flowers grow towards the sun, getting nourishment from its warmth and light.
These are a great gift for anyone who needs their day brightened, or to show someone how much they warm your life. Sunflowers were once harvested for food before European exploration, and although they love the sun, they have the ability to grow year-round.
Sunflower oils and seeds are still used for cooking and skincare. With all of these warm associations, and it’s recognizable appearance, it’s no wonder they are still so popular.
7. Gardenias: These beautiful white and fragrant flowers signify purity and joy. They are a bit expensive but make a perfect gift for the Christmas Holidays. They are also very popular for wedding celebrations with their pure connotations.
Gardenias also signify refinement and elegance with their delicate nature. Try a centerpiece with these flowers floating in water for a gorgeous appearance that will make a room smell amazing.
8. Orchids:This exotic flower represents strength, luxury, and beauty. With over 20,000 different species, the orchid comes in many different types and colors. While the pink and purple orchid are the most popular, yellow orchards represent new beginnings and are a great gift for the beginning of a new romance.
Orchids produce lovely fragrances. Vanilla extract, which is used in baking, is derived from the vanilla orchid. The orchid also has medicinal qualities and has been used as a natural remedy for decades for ailments such as coughing, and diseases of the lung and kidney.
They are also believed to be a powerful natural aphrodisiac, and the bulbs are eaten in Greece and China for this reason. Therefore, the orchid also has many sexual connotations.
9. Daisies:Daises are typically associated with youth, innocence, and purity. These flowers are often gifted to new mothers. Daisies can also be eaten, and are often made into daisy tea which can assist with respiratory issues.
They can be made into oils or lotions and assist in healing irritated skin and wounds.
10: Lilacs: Lilacs bloom in spring, often making them associated with the Easter holiday. For this reason, they symbolize rebirth and renewal. They also stand for confidence, making them a great gift for anyone starting a new job, or graduating.
They have inspired artists from Whitman to Monet with their beauty. Due to their delightful fragrance, they are often an ingredient in perfumes and essential oils.
Read On: Stems: Meaning, Types and Functions
Parts of a Flower
Most flowers have four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. The stamens are the male part whereas the carpels are the female part of the flower.
Most flowers are hermaphrodite where they contain both male and female parts. Others may contain one of the two parts and may be male or female.
Before getting into parts, know the classification of Flowers here.
1. Peduncle: This is the stalk of the flower.
2. Receptacle: It is that part of the flower to which the stalk is attached to. It is small and found at the centre of the base of the flower.
3. Sepals: These are the small, leaf-like parts growing at the base of the petals. They form the outermost whorl of the flower. Collectively, sepals are known as the calyx. The main function of the calyx and its sepals is to protect the flower before it blossoms(in the bud stage).
4. Petals: This layer lies just above the sepal layer. They are often bright in colour as their main function is to attract pollinators such as insects, butterflies etc to the flower. The petals are collectively known as the corolla.
5. Stamens: These are the male parts of a flower. Many stamens are collectively known as the androecium.
They are structurally divided into two parts:
a. Filament: the part that is long and slender and attached the anther to the flower.
b. Anthers: It is the head of the stamen and is responsible for producing the pollen which is transferred to the pistil or female parts of the same or another flower to bring about fertilization.
c. Pistil: This forms the female parts of a flower. A collection of pistils is called the gynoecium.
Pistil consists of four parts
1. Style -is a long slender stalk that holds the stigma. Once the pollen reaches the stigma, the style starts to become hollow and forms a tube called the pollen tube which takes the pollen to the ovaries to enable fertilization.
2. Stigma– This is found at the tip of the style. It forms the head of the pistil. The stigma contains a sticky substance whose job is to catch pollen grains from different pollinators or those dispersed through the wind. They are responsible to begin the process of fertilization.
3. Ovary – They form the base of the pistil. The ovary holds the ovules.
4. Ovules– These are the egg cells of a flower. They are contained in the ovary. In the event of a favorable pollination where a compatible pollen reaches the stigma and eventually reaches the ovary to fuse with the ovules, this fertilized product forms the fruit and the ovules become the seeds of the fruit.
Also Read: Photosynthesis and Its Importance