Flower Power

the scrapbook

The vibrant beauty of the floral world serves as a treat for the senses. But all too often, these small wonders of nature go unnoticed as we fail to take a closer look at the world around us. So we have snapped this set of images to (hopefully) inspire you to take some time out of your busy schedules, and stop and smell the roses ... literally!

Rose

The flower that by any other name would smell just as sweet* but happens to be called a “rose”, this ever popular blossom is widely grown for its lovely appearance and distinctive fragrance. And of course its prickly perennial plant gives us a chance to rejoice that thorn bushes have roses**.

*William Shakespeare

**Abraham Lincoln

Canna Lily

Not a true lily, the canna can grow in most countries around the world, and is a rich source of starch. One of its many specimens, the Yellow King Hubert has artistic yellow petals with red/orange markings.

Zinnia

Named in honour of German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, the beautiful zinnia comes in a wide range of colours and shapes, and is a favourite of butterflies. Growing on annual, perennial plants, the flower’s ability to attract hummingbirds and wasps has also made it useful as a defence against pesky whiteflies.

Cockscomb

The resemblance of the flower to the head of a rooster has earned the celosia cristata the colloquial moniker of cockscomb. Its hardy plants grow well in most conditions, both out and indoors, and are used for both ornamental and edible purposes.

Hibiscus

The striking hibiscus often finds itself diagrammed in science books because of its distinctive features and is known for its attractiveness to hummingbirds. Its different species serve as the national flower of various nations and territories, including South Korea, Malaysia, Haiti, and Hawaii. Along with its ornamental charms, the flower also makes its way into foods and beverages.

Jasmine

The fragrant jasmine comes in many varieties, but is almost always white or yellow in colour. The blossoms are often used as adornments, especially in garlands. Additionally, syrups and oils are derived from these flowers, and they are also used to flavour tea.

Sunflower

Worshipped by the Incas because of its symbolic association with the Sun, the mighty sunflower is as useful as it is gorgeous. Its buds track the Sun across the sky, and its flowers are treasured for their seeds and oil.

- By Sameen Amer

Us Magazine, The News - 13th March, 2015 *