What are the most Exotic Flowers in the World?

Ever notice how flowers have a way of making any day a little brighter? Whether you're walking through a garden or passing by a Middletown florist, certain blooms just catch your eye. But beyond the everyday roses and tulips, there's a whole world of extraordinary flowers waiting to be discovered.

Let’s read about these flowers and find out what makes them so rare and special!

1. Ghost Orchid

The Ghost Orchid might just be the most rare flower in the world. Native to Florida and Cuba, this mysterious bloom has roots that don't grow in soil. Instead, it attaches to trees. The flower blooms for just a couple of weeks each year, making a sighting something truly special.

Want to see one? Good luck because they're endangered and grow in almost inaccessible swamps. Maybe that's why they've captured the imagination of so many nature lovers and even inspired books and movies like “Adaptation”.

2. Corpse Flower

Despite its less-than-appealing name, the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is known for standing up to 10 feet tall. It blooms once every 7-10 years and smells like rotting flesh, as you must have guessed from its name. It is strange, but that's exactly what makes it one of the most fascinating, beautiful, exotic flowers you'll ever encounter.

If you're ever near a botanical garden that has one about to bloom, drop everything and go. The smell might make you hold your nose, but the sight is unforgettable.

3. Black Bat Flower

Looking like something straight out of a fantasy novel, the Black Bat Flower features dramatic black or dark purple petals that resemble bat wings. Long whiskers extend up to 28 inches from the flower, which creates an otherworldly appearance.

While you might not find these at your local Kirkwood florist, they're popular among collectors of tropical exotic flowers who can provide the humid, shaded conditions these beauties need to thrive.

4. Chocolate Cosmos

Yes, you read that right, a flower that smells like chocolate! The Chocolate Cosmos produces deep burgundy blooms that give off a vanilla-chocolate scent, especially in the evening. Originally from Mexico, these flowers are extinct in the wild, making them quite precious. Imagine having these in your garden, you would get the chocolate experience without any calories.

5. Kadupul Flower

Often called the Queen of the Night, the Kadupul Flower is so rare that it is considered priceless. Why? This cactus flower blooms only at night and wilts before dawn. You have just a few hours to appreciate its beauty before it's gone. Native to Sri Lanka, this is perhaps one of the most elusive exotic flowers in the world.

6. Jade Vine

With its turquoise-blue color, the Jade Vine seems almost unreal. This hanging plant produces claw-shaped flowers in a color that's rarely seen in nature. Native to Philippine rainforests, it's now endangered due to habitat loss.

If you're looking for something truly unusual to talk about, mention the Jade Vine at your next dinner party. Not many people know about these rare, beautiful, exotic flowers, and you'll sound like a botanical expert.

7. Parrot's Beak

Originally from the Canary Islands, the Parrot's Beak flower features curved red blooms that resemble, you guessed it, a parrot's beak. These plants are now extremely rare in their natural habitat, with possibly fewer than 300 plants remaining in the wild. Their unique shape and bright color make them stand out among other types of exotic flowers.

8. Protea King

Finishing our list is the impressive Protea King, with its massive, crown-like appearance. Native to South Africa, these flowers can grow up to 12 inches in diameter and come in shades of pink and red.

While you might find these flowers in Middletown at specialty shops during certain seasons, seeing them in their natural habitat is a whole different experience. These plants have adapted to harsh conditions and can even withstand wildfires.

While it is impossible to find these flowers locally, you can still enjoy seasonal flowers, fresh from the farms. Visit Elana’s Broadstreet Florist to find flower and plant selections for the season. Order today!