When it comes to flowers, there are hundreds of thousands of different varieties, some more unique than others. In different parts of the world, you will find regional-specific traits that make a flower stand out against the rest.
To find the most unusual flowers, traveling around the world—metaphorically, of course—is a must. Let’s explore some of the most unusual and exotic flowers from around the world.
#1. Lady Slipper Orchid
The lady slipper orchid is native to North America and some parts of Europe. What makes this exotic flower unique is the shape of the flowers themselves.
The flowers resemble a lady’s slipper, which is an unusual shape for a flower. The blooms have a small opening near the front but are otherwise completely closed in. Color varieties come in pinks, purples, whites, and yellows.
#2. Jade Vine
The jade vine is another unusual looking flower and is native to the Philippines. The flowers that come from the jade vine are short, claw-shaped, and are a jade green, which is where the name originated from.
These claw-like flowers grow in clusters, making for a particularly unusual site when in bloom. Another aspect that makes this plant unique is its stems which grow in a tight and twisted fashion.
#3. Bat Flower
The bat flower gets its name from the shape the plant creates when in bloom, which looks similar to a bat. The flowers are dark purple that can appear black in certain plants.
There are also two leaves that are positioned above the flowers that resemble the wings of a bat, completing the picture. These leaves are generally a dark color, but in some varieties they are white. These tropical flowers are native to Southeast Asia.
#4. Sea Poison Tree
The sea poison tree has an unusual name, with an unusual look to match. Natively found in both East Asia and Southeast Asia, these plants grow near the sea.
The sea poison tree flowers are stringy and look similar to a pom-pom when in bloom. They are bronze in color and have pink tips. These flowers are known to attract large moths and bats at night.
#5. Common Sundew
The common sundew, also known as the round-leaved sundew or Drosera rotundifolia, is actually a carnivorous plant that can be found in the Adirondack mountains.
The name sundew comes from the small drops of dew that form on the tips of the flower. This dew is not actually dew but is a sticky substance that specializes in catching and trapping small insects.
#6. Sea Holly
The sea holly flowers are native to Britain and can be found on their dunes and beaches. What makes the sea holly unusual is its feather-like blooms that surround the head of the flower.
These blooms are generally purple in color but can be found in green and white as well. A majority of these blooms will have a silver tint to them as well, adding to their unique features.
#7. Eucalyptus Flower
Native to Australia, the eucalyptus flower is another highly unusual-looking flower. What stands out the most is the thread-like blooms that come from the center of the flower head.
These blooms are generally red or pink in color and will have a yellow center. Some varieties will have a yellow tip on the end of each thread.
#8. Corpse Flower
The corpse flower has an incredibly unappealing name, but for a good reason. When in bloom, the corpse flower has been known to smell like rotting flesh— disgusting, I know.
The blooms from these flowers are some of the largest in the world, some measuring up to three feet wide. Growing around 1,000 meters above the sea level, these flowers are native to Sumatra and Borneo.
#9. Pitcher Plant
The pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that entices its prey with sweet nectar that leads to a slippery slope inside the pitcher-shaped flower. Once the prey falls inside the pitcher flower, it becomes trapped and is slowly dissolved within the flower.
This is how the plant obtains its nutrients. Pitcher Plants are most commonly found in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and Australia.
#10. Bat Face Cuphea
One quick glance at this flower and you will be able to understand where the name comes from. The bloom of the flower closely resembles a bat’s face and has a dark purple center to match.
Although the center is generally dark purple, the blooms on top are a vibrant red. The bat face cuphea is often grown to attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds; it is native to Mexico.
#11. Gibraltar Campion
Last but not least is the Gibraltar Campion. This flower can only be found on the sky-high cliffs of Gibraltar, a country that sits at the very tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Back in the 1980s, this plant was thought to be extinct. However, it was rediscovered in 1994 and is now propagated in botanical gardens and other environments all around the world.
Still rare, this flowering plant has gorgeous bilobed flowers that can be light purple to pink. As a perennial, it grows up to 16 inches tall.
#12. Lotus
The Lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) is undoubtedly one of the most exotic and revered flowers globally, with deep cultural and symbolic significance.
Originating in Asia, particularly in regions like India and China, the Lotus holds sacred importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. This aquatic plant is known for its enchanting blossoms that emerge from the mud and water, representing purity, enlightenment, and self regeneration in various spiritual traditions.
The lotus features large, vibrant petals that can be found in a range of colors, including white, pink, and red. The Lotus flower typically blooms during the summer and early fall.
#13. Painter’s-palette
Anthurium andraeanum, scientifically known as Flamingo Flower, is a captivating exotic flower prized for its vibrant, heart-shaped bracts that come in various colors, including shades of red, pink, and white.
Native to tropical regions, this epiphytic plant is renowned for its unique spadix that stands tall and resembles a flamingo’s neck, giving it its common name.
The vibrant colors and symbolic heart-shaped form of the Flamingo Flower add an element of tropical elegance to floral displays and indoor spaces.
#14. Calla Lily
Calla Lily, scientifically known as Zantedeschia, is a striking exotic flower appreciated for its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and distinctive arrow-shaped leaves.
Originating from Southern Africa, Calla Lilies come in a range of colors, including classic white lilies and vibrant shades of pink, red, and yellow, making them a popular choice for bouquets and gardens alike. These exotic flowers symbolize purity and beauty, contributing to their frequent use in wedding bouquets and special occasions.
With their unique form and cultural significance, Calla Lilies continue to enchant a local florist and decorator seeking an exotic touch.
#15. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley, scientifically known as Convallaria majalis, is an enchanting exotic flower celebrated for its delicate, bell-shaped blooms and sweet fragrance.
Native to Europe and North America, these small, white flowers are associated with spring and are often used in bridal bouquets and garden borders.
Despite their captivating appearance, Lily of the Valley is considered poisonous, containing toxins that can be harmful if ingested.
With their timeless charm, these exotic flowers add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to various landscapes, making them a cherished choice for both traditional and woodland-themed gardens. They also make a perfect gift for your loved ones who appreciate the beauty of nature.
FAQs
What’s the most exotic flower?
Determining the “most exotic” flower is subjective and may vary based on personal preferences. Most exotic flowers often include varieties like the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), and Orchids.
What is the rarest flower?
One of the rarest flowers is the Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii), known for its elusive nature and limited distribution in Florida’s swamps. Rarity can be measured by factors like scarcity, limited habitat, and difficulty in cultivation.
What is the rarest most beautiful flowers?
Beauty is subjective, but some flowers are both rare and widely considered beautiful, such as the Middlemist’s Red (Middlemist camellia), the Kadupul flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), and the Juliet Rose. Rarity often enhances the perceived beauty of a flower.
Conclusion
These flowers are not only visually stunning but also have interesting features that make them stand out from the rest.
They are a perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to their floral arrangements. So, go ahead and explore these exotic flowers and create your own unique flower arrangements that will leave everyone in awe.
For more interesting flowers, see our page florgeous.com/types-of-flowers/
