Certain flowers achieve this status due to their unique growth requirements, environmental changes, and human activities threatening their habitats. These rare species are often found in specific, limited geographic regions and require precise conditions to thrive.
As a result, they face significant threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal collection.
In this article, we'll explore what is the rarest flower in the world, highlighting their distinct characteristics and the conservation efforts needed to preserve them.
#1. Franklin Tree Flower (Franklinia alatamaha)
The Franklin Tree Flower, or Franklinia alatamaha, is a captivating white blossom with a sweet fragrance. This flower has been extinct in the wild since the early 1800s.
It's a beautiful five-petalled white flower with clusters of golden yellow stamens in the centre. This cup-shaped flower belongs to the tea family and is one-of-a-kind, as it is the only species of the Franklinia genus.
The plant has dark green leaves, which turn red in autumn. The flowers give off a sweet honeysuckle-like scent.
The Franklin Tree Flower was first discovered in 1765 by botanists John and William Bartram, who were exploring the Altamaha River valley. They named the plant after their friend Benjamin Franklin, adding to its historical significance.
All the Franklin Tree Flowers today come from the seeds that the Bartrams collected in the 1700s. The plant's survival is a testament to their early conservation efforts and the importance of preserving rare and unique flora.
#2. Fire Lily (Gloriosa superba)
The Fire Lily, also known as the Flame Lily, is a stunning flower found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Its fiery red and yellow petals resemble flames, earning it the name "Fire Lily." This breathtaking bloom holds symbolic significance in various cultures and is often associated with passion and ambition.
It's now rare in Sri Lanka and close to extinction in Odisha, making it a very rare flower in India. It's also considered an invasive species in countries like Australia, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia.
The Fire Lily is toxic to humans and animals. Its tubers contain colchicine, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin irritation upon contact and be fatal if ingested.
Despite its toxic properties, the Fire Lily has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its medicinal uses in treating gout, intestinal worms, and other ailments. However, great care must be taken in its handling and use to avoid its dangerous side effects.
#3. Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
The Chocolate Cosmos, or Cosmos atrosanguineus, is a rare flower with a captivating chocolate-like fragrance. Its deep burgundy petals and velvety texture make it highly prized among flower enthusiasts.
The Chocolate Cosmos has earned its place among the world's rarest flowers due to its unique characteristics. The flower's rich reddish-brown colour and its distinct chocolate scent, when it blooms, make it a standout in any garden.
Growing to about 40 to 70 centimetres in height, the Chocolate Cosmos is both visually and olfactorily delightful, attracting admirers with its striking appearance and unusual fragrance.
Although native to Mexico, the Chocolate Cosmos no longer exists in the wild. Today, it survives only through propagation techniques such as tissue culture and root division.
This stunning flower typically blooms in the evening towards the end of summer, adding a touch of mystery and allure to late-season gardens.
#4. Kadupul Flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
The Kadupul Flower, scientifically known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is one of the rarest and most mesmerising flowers in the world.
This large, beautiful, snowy white, star-shaped flower blooms only at night and withers away by daybreak. The Kadupul Flower is also often associated with spirituality and is considered sacred in some cultures.
It emits a pleasant fragrance, adding to its allure. The Kadupul Flower grows mainly in the wild among decaying matter around trees and can measure up to 30 centimetres long and 17 centimetres wide.
While some report that this flower grows only in Sri Lanka, others say it can also be found in India, Japan, China, and several Latin American countries.
Its cultural significance varies across these regions. In Japan, it is known as Gekka Bijin, meaning "beauty under the moon," and is associated with ephemeral beauty and the fleeting nature of life.
Although they are difficult to find in their natural habitat, Kadupul Flowers can be cultivated relatively easily under the right conditions, making them a cherished addition to botanical gardens and collections.
#5. Parrot's Beak (Lotus berthelotii)
The Parrot's Beak, scientifically known as Lotus berthelotii, is a striking flower native to the Canary Islands. Its unique shape and vibrant red-orange colour resemble a parrot's beak, hence the name. This rare flower, with its intricate design and trailing habit, adds a touch of tropical allure to any garden.
Parrot's Beak flowers are claw-shaped blooms that grow on trailing vines and typically measure up to one inch long.
The native habitat of the Parrot's Beak is the Canary and Cape Verde Islands. However, this rare flower has become incredibly scarce in the wild and is believed to be extinct in its natural habitat since 1884. The primary reason for its rarity is its specific growing conditions.
The Parrot's Beak requires a precise balance of temperature and moisture to thrive, and any fluctuations can cause it to wither. Today, it is mostly cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens and indoors, far from its native islands.
Despite its rarity, the Parrot's Beak has won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This accolade highlights its beauty and the dedication required to cultivate it successfully.
Also known as Coral Gem, Pelican's Beak, Cat Claw, Lotus Vine, and Pigeon Beak, the Parrot's Beak continues to fascinate flower enthusiasts with its unique form and vibrant colours. It blooms best in spring, needing plenty of sunshine and well-drained but moist soil to prevent root rot.
#6. Middlemist Red Camellia (Camellia japonica 'Middlemist's Red')
The Middlemist Red Camellia, or Camellia japonica 'Middlemist's Red,' is an exceptionally rare flower with vibrant pinkish-red petals. With only two known living specimens in the world, both located in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, it holds the title of the rarest flowering plant on Earth.
The history of the Middlemist Red Camellia dates back to 1804 when John Middlemist, a botanist, brought this stunning flower from China to England.
Over time, the plant became extinct in its native China, likely due to over-cultivation and habitat loss. Today, it is one of the most beautiful rare flowers, cherished by botanical gardens and flower enthusiasts.
The Middlemist Red Camellia is often mistaken for a rose due to its bright pink, rose-like petals. Despite its name suggesting a red hue, this rare flower is actually a vivid pink. It belongs to the Camellia family and is known for its blooms and dark green leaves.
Its extreme rarity makes it a prized possession and a subject of interest for conservation efforts. The flower's history and its limited presence today highlight the importance of preserving the world's rarest flowers.
#7. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
Scientifically known as Dendrophylax lindenii, the Ghost Orchid is a mysterious flower native to Cuba, Florida and the Bahamas. With its ethereal and delicate appearance, it has captured the imagination of many.
Named after the shape of its petals, the Ghost Orchid is listed as one of the most rare exotic flowers in the world because it requires high temperatures and high humidity to grow, making it almost impossible to cultivate outside its natural habitat.
The plant has no leaves, does not depend on photosynthesis, and does not manufacture its own food. It has to be linked with another plant to get sufficient energy. The stem and flowers appear green in colour with whitish petals.
Ghost Orchids bloom only for three weeks between April and August. Even if you get close enough to the flower, you may not be able to spot a Ghost Orchid. The Ghost Orchid also emits a soap-like odour when in bloom, adding to its mystique.
It gained fame from Susan Orlean's book "The Orchid Thief" and the subsequent film "Adaptation," which brought attention to its rarity and unique beauty.
#8. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
Scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, the Corpse Flower is notorious for its enormous size and pungent odour. Native to Sumatra, this flower blooms infrequently and emits a scent similar to rotting flesh to attract pollinators.
The Corpse Flower is one of the rarest flowers in the world because it blooms just once every few decades. It can reach up to 3.6 metres in height, making it one of the largest flowers in the world. This flower has no roots, leaves, or even a stem.
It seems to have only one petal, which is green on the outside and burgundy red on the inside, shaped like a cone. The Corpse Flower is found only in the low-lying rainforests of Indonesia. In captivity, they are mainly grown in botanical gardens and are a significant attraction when they bloom.
The infrequency of its blooming cycle, coupled with its impressive size and unique pollination strategy, makes it a fascinating subject of study and admiration.
Technically, a Corpse Flower isn't a single flower but a flowering plant with clusters of blooms. Its massive size and strong odour are adaptations to its natural habitat, allowing it to effectively attract pollinators in the dense rainforest environment.
#9. Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers (Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens)
The Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers, or Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens, are strikingly beautiful orchids known for their unique slipper-shaped blooms, which act as traps.
These orchids are predominantly found in the cooler regions of North America, thriving in moist, well-drained soils under the canopy of deciduous forests. The flowers are particularly noted for their vibrant yellow and purple hues, which catch the eye and play a critical role in attracting pollinators.
These flowers require very specific habitats—thriving only in well-drained, moist soils under the canopy of deciduous forests, making them vulnerable to habitat disruption and environmental changes.
These orchids are also slow to mature, often taking many years to develop from seed to flowering plant, which combined with their specific soil and climate requirements, contributes significantly to their rarity.
#10. Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
The Black Bat Flower, scientifically known as Tacca chantrieri, is a dramatic and rare flower native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. Its unique appearance and growth conditions make it a fascinating subject for botanists and flower enthusiasts alike.
The Black Bat Flower is the most unique flower in the world because it has the rarest flower color, black. Measuring up to 30 centimetres in diameter, the flower resembles a bat, which is how it got its name. It has long droopy whisker-like stamens, measuring up to 70 centimetres long.
The plant needs a lot of humidity and a large amount of water until it grows properly, which makes it a difficult plant to grow indoors. It is possible to make it a houseplant, but the average household environment is too dry and cool for it to thrive.
The Black Bat Flower has various cultural associations and has been used in traditional medicine. In some Southeast Asian cultures, it is believed to possess mystical properties.
Its dramatic appearance has inspired folklore and superstitions, such as the belief that looking at the bat-shaped flowers for too long will bring bad luck. Additionally, parts of the plant have been used in traditional remedies, though such uses are less common today.
#11. Western Underground Orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri)
The Western Underground Orchid, or Rhizanthella gardneri, is a rare Australian orchid that spends its entire life underground.
The habitat of the Western Underground Orchid is limited to a few regions in Western Australia. It was first discovered in 1928 by a farmer named George Gardner, who noticed its peculiar growth pattern.
It lacks leaves and relies on a symbiotic relationship with fungi for nutrients. The flower emerges briefly, usually after bushfires, displaying tiny, rare blooms.
The Western Underground Orchid also remains completely subterranean throughout its life cycle. Unlike most plants, it does not rely on photosynthesis, as it lacks chlorophyll and leaves.
Instead, it forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which help the orchid obtain nutrients from the roots of surrounding plants. This fascinating adaptation allows the orchid to thrive in its underground habitat.
This orchid is found in specific soil conditions and is often associated with broom bush (Melaleuca uncinata) thickets. The pale pink and white flower only emerges briefly above the soil surface to attract pollinators, usually following a bushfire that clears the surrounding vegetation and exposes the ground.
#12. Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
The Jade Vine, or Strongylodon macrobotrys, is a rare vine native to the Philippines, where it grows in the understory and climbs up trees to reach sunlight.
Its striking turquoise-green flowers hang in long clusters and are pollinated by bats. This unique colouration and unusual pollination method make it a fascinating botanical wonder.
As a member of the pea and bean family, the Jade Vine is native to rainforests in the Philippines. These flowers are quickly moving towards extinction as they are difficult to propagate in captivity. They rely primarily on bats for pollination.
This flower requires a humid environment with ample water to thrive. Unfortunately, deforestation and habitat destruction have significantly reduced its natural habitat, making it increasingly rare.
The Jade Vine is considered one of the most unique flowers in the world because deforestation has driven it close to extinction. The Jade Vine is a claw-shaped flower and can grow up to 3 metres long. It varies in colour from blue to light green and hangs facing downward.
#13. Juliet Rose (Scientific Name Unknown)
The Juliet Rose is an extraordinary flower renowned for its rarity and beauty. As the rarest rose worldwide, specific information regarding its scientific name remains unknown. This stunning rose, with its delicate peachy-pink hue and intricate petal arrangement, epitomises romance and elegance.
The Juliet Rose is not only considered one of the rarest flowers in the world, but it's also the rarest rose in the world because it took 15 years for rose breeder David Austin to cultivate the flower in England.
Additionally, it cost him a whopping $4.3 million to do so. The Juliet Rose made its debut at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2006, where it captivated audiences with its stunning beauty and delicate fragrance.
Its creation story and astronomical auction price have cemented its status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the world of horticulture.
The characteristics that distinguish the Juliet Rose from other roses include its unique colour palette and intricate petal structure.
The peach and apricot hues of the petals create a soft, romantic appearance, while the smaller blooms at the heart of the flower add depth and complexity to its overall look. The Juliet Rose's delicate beauty and rarity make it a coveted addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
Conclusion On What Is The Rarest Flowers
The rarest flowers in the world highlight the delicate beauty and ecological significance of our planet's flora. Each of these unique species faces threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and human interference.
Preserving these rare flowers is not just about saving beautiful plants but about maintaining biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural heritage. By supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect these botanical treasures for future generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions On What Is The Rarest Flowers
How Does Climate Change Affect The Rarity Of Flowers?
Climate change affects the rarity of flowers by altering the environmental conditions that are crucial for their survival. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems where these flowers thrive.
These changes can lead to habitat loss, reduced pollination success, and increased vulnerability to diseases and pests, all of which contribute to the decline in the populations of rare flowers.
What Can I Do To Support The Conservation Of Rare Flowers?
You can support the conservation of rare flowers by donating to or volunteering with organisations dedicated to plant conservation and habitat preservation. Additionally, you can educate yourself and others about the importance of protecting rare flowers and their ecosystems.
Avoid purchasing wild-collected rare plants and buy from reputable nurseries that propagate plants sustainably. Participating in citizen science projects and advocating for policies that protect natural habitats also contribute to conservation efforts.
Why Do Some Rare Flowers Have Unique Pollination Strategies?
Some rare flowers have evolved unique pollination strategies to ensure their reproductive success in specific environments where common pollinators might be scarce.
These strategies can include specialised structures attracting specific pollinators, such as bats, birds, or insects, through unique shapes, colours, and scents.
By targeting specific pollinators, these flowers reduce competition for pollination services and increase the likelihood of successful reproduction, contributing to their survival in their natural habitats.
Why Are Rare Flowers Often More Susceptible To Extinction?
Rare flowers are often more susceptible to extinction because they typically have small populations and limited distributions, making them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.
Their specialised habitat requirements mean that any disruption, such as habitat destruction, climate change, or invasive species, can significantly impact their survival.
Additionally, their low genetic diversity can make it harder for these populations to adapt to changing conditions or recover from population declines, further increasing their risk of extinction.
