List of Top 10 Most Unique Flowers in the World
Top 10 Most Unique Flowers in the World: The rarest flower in the world is the Middlemist Red Camellia. This flower is generally found in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This is a Chinese-origin flower that was brought to the UK in 1804. On the other hand, the black rose is another rarest flower that is found in the Halfeti district of Turkey. This rose is really valuable and is famous for its petals.
The Jade Vine is considered one of the most unique flowers globally because logging has pushed it near extinction. The Jade Vine is a claw-shaped flower and can reach up to 3 meters long. It varies in color from blue to light green and hangs facing downward
In this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 unique and rare flowers in the world in detail.
Table of Content
- Top 10 Unique Flowers in the World
- List of Top 10 Rare Flowers in the World
- Blue Puya (Puya berteronian) – South America
- Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii) – Canary Islands
- Middlemist Red Camellia (Camellia species) – China
- Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) – Central America
- Catherine Wheel Pincushion (Leucospermum catherinae) – South Africa
- Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) – North and Central America
- Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) – Philippines
- Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia) – South America
- Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) – Europe
- Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) – Southeast Asia
Top 10 Unique Flowers in the World
Here are the top 10 most unique flowers, with their location, origin, and what are they used for:
Top 10 Unique Flowers in the World |
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Flower Name | Location | Origin | Used For | IUCN Red List Status |
Corpse Flower | Sumatra, Indonesia | Sumatra | Botanical gardens, education, curiosity | Vulnerable |
Ghost Orchid | Florida, USA; Cuba | North and Central America | Ornamental, conservation | Endangered |
Rafflesia Arnoldii | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia | Botanical interest, conservation | Endangered |
Jade Vine | Philippines | Philippines | Ornamental, conservation | Not evaluated |
Monkey Face Orchid | Ecuador, Peru | South America | Ornamental, education, curiosity | Not evaluated |
Bee Orchid | Europe, Mediterranean | Europe | Ornamental, education, pollination studies | Least concern |
Black Bat Flower | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia | Ornamental, curiosity | Not evaluated |
Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus | Central America | Central America | Ornamental, medicinal | Not evaluated |
Dancing Girls Ginger | Thailand | Southeast Asia | Ornamental, traditional medicine | Not evaluated |
Parrot’s Beak | Canary Islands | Canary Islands | Ornamental, curiosity | Not evaluated |
List of Top 10 Rare Flowers in the World
Saffron Crocus is the most rare and costly Flower in the World. The Saffron Crocus is valued for a wholly different reason even though it may not possess the same attention-grabbing appearance as some of the other flowers on this list. The stigmas of this flower’s purple blossoms are utilized to make the spice saffron. Here are the top 10 most rare flowes as mentioned below.
Top 10 Rare Flowers in the World |
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Flower Name | Location | Origin | Used For |
Blue Puya | Chile | South America | Decoration, Protection |
Bleeding Heart | Asia, North America | Asia, North America | Decoration, Medicine |
Middlemist Red Camellia | United Kingdom, China | China | Decoration, Protection |
Queen of the Night | Central America | Central America | Decoration, Medicine |
Catherine-Wheel Pincushion | South Africa | South Africa | Decoration, Protection |
Himalayan Poppy | Himalayas | Himalayas | Decoration, Medicine |
Darwin’s Slippers | South America | South America | Decoration, Interest |
Jade Vine | Philippines | Philippines | Decoration, Protection |
Lady’s Slipper Orchids | Worldwide | Native to tropical areas in Asia | Decoration, Protection |
Purple Passionflower | North America | North America | Decoration, Medicine |
Blue Puya (Puya berteronian) – South America
Blue flowers are not common. The blue puya flower is big and shaped like a trumpet, making it beautiful. It is a special kind of plant similar to a pineapple but much rarer. They mostly grow in Chile, so that is where you would have the best chance of seeing one.
Scientific Name | Puya berteroniana |
Common Name | Blue Puya |
Family | Bromeliaceae |
Genus | Puya |
Native To | Chile |
Habitat | Rocky slopes and cliffs |
Growth Habit | Perennial herbaceous plant |
Flower Color | Vivid blue |
Flowering Season | Spring and early summer |
Height | Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) |
Spread | Up to 3 feet (1 meter) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil |
Water Needs | Low to moderate |
USDA Hardiness | Zones 8a to 11 (−12.2 °C to 10 °C) |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Propagation | Seeds, offsets |
Uses | Ornamental plant, rock gardens |
Special Features | Spectacular blue flowers, drought-tolerant, attracts birds and bees |
Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii) – Canary Islands
The Parrot’s Beak flower is also known as the lotus vine or pelican beak. It is uncommon and grows in the Canary Islands near Spain. They are not easy to find in the wild. When you see its colorful flowers, you will understand why it is called a parrot’s beak.
Scientific Name | Lotus berthelotii |
Common Name | Parrot’s Beak, Canary Island Bird of Paradise |
Family | Fabaceae (Legume family) |
Origin | Native to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and La Palma |
Type | Evergreen perennial |
Growth Habit | Trailing or mounding |
Height | 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) |
Spread | 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) horizontally |
Foliage | Finely divided silvery-gray leaves, with a delicate appearance |
Flowers | Bright orange to red-orange, pea-shaped flowers with a distinctive shape resembling a parrot’s beak |
Flowering Season | Typically blooms from late spring to early summer, but can flower sporadically throughout the year in mild climates |
Light | Full sun to partial shade |
Soil | Well-draining soil mix, prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH |
Watering | Moderate; avoid overwatering |
Temperature | Hardy to USDA zones 9-11 (can tolerate occasional light frost) |
Maintenance | Low; prune back lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth |
Propagation | Typically propagated from stem cuttings or seeds |
Uses | Excellent for hanging baskets, containers, or as ground cover; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies |
Pests/Diseases | Generally pest and disease resistant, but may be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions |
Middlemist Red Camellia (Camellia species) – China
Camellias are not uncommon, but this particular type can only be found in two places. In the early 1800s, these flowers likely grew all over China, but they disappeared in the wild by the late 1800s. They were only kept indoors. Nowadays, there’s one in New Zealand and another in Great Britain.
Scientific Name | Camellia japonica |
Common Name | Middlemist Red Camellia |
Family | Theaceae |
Origin | China and Japan |
Description | Middlemist Red Camellia is a flowering plant known for its striking deep red flowers with yellow stamens. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers bloom in late winter to early spring. The plant can grow up to 2-5 meters in height. |
Hardiness Zones | Zones 7-9 (USDA hardiness zones) |
Soil | Well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. |
Sun Exposure | Partial shade to full shade |
Watering | Regular watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. |
Pruning | Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches. |
Fertilizing | Fertilize in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. |
Propagation | Propagate by seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Camellias are relatively slow-growing plants. |
Pests | Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. Regular inspection and appropriate pest control measures may be necessary. |
Diseases | Susceptible to root rot, leaf spot, and petal blight. Proper watering, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent diseases. |
Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) – Central America
Getting a glimpse of the beautiful Kadupul flowers on this cactus requires waiting patiently because they hardly bloom and only appear at night, disappearing by morning. Although they’re originally from Mexico and South America, you can keep them inside. Some of these plants have spread outside and can be found in countries like Sri Lanka.
Scientific Name | Epiphyllum oxypetalum |
Common Name | Queen of the Night |
Family | Cactaceae |
Genus | Epiphyllum |
Native To | Central America, Mexico, and possibly parts of South America |
Type | Epiphytic cactus |
Flower Color | White |
Flower Size | Large, can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
Flowering Season | Night-blooming, typically blooms in late spring or summer |
Fragrance | Intensely fragrant, especially at night |
Light Requirements | Indirect or filtered sunlight |
Watering Needs | Moderate water during growth, less in winter |
Soil Type | Well-draining soil mix for cacti or epiphytic orchids |
Temperature | Prefers warm temperatures, not frost-tolerant |
Humidity | Moderate humidity levels are preferred |
Propagation | Stem cuttings, usually after flowering |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Pests/Diseases | Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot |
Special Features | Night-blooming, large and fragrant flowers, requires support for growth |
Uses | Ornamental plant, often grown in hanging baskets or containers |
Catherine Wheel Pincushion (Leucospermum catherinae) – South Africa
Leucospermum catherinae is a tall bush with green leaves from the Proteaceae family. Its leaves are long and narrow, with a pointed end and smooth surface. The plant grows flowers that start orange and turn bronze as they age, giving the impression of a spinning pin cushion. These flowers are about 15 cm wide and appear from September to December. It’s commonly known as Catherine-wheel pincushion or wheel flower in English and waterluisie in Afrikaans. This plant only grows in the southwest part of the Western Cape province in South Africa.
Scientific Name | Leucospermum catherinae |
Common Name | Catherine Wheel Pincushion |
Family | Proteaceae |
Origin | South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape |
Habit | Evergreen shrub |
Height | Up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall |
Width | Up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide |
Leaves | Lance-shaped, leathery, dark green |
Flowers | Large, showy, wheel-shaped, bright orange to red |
Flowering Season | Spring to early summer |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-draining, acidic to slightly acidic |
Soil pH | 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic) |
Watering | Moderate |
Pruning | Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape |
USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 to 11 |
Uses | Ornamental garden plant, cut flowers |
Maintenance | Low-maintenance, occasional pruning and fertilizing |
Wildlife Interest | Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds |
Special Features | Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant |
Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) – North and Central America
The ghost orchid is a rare plant without leaves that grows on other plants in Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. People also call it palm polly and white frog orchid. Its name “lindenii” comes from Jean Jules Linden, who found it in Cuba in 1844. Later, it was found in the Everglades in Florida too.
Scientific Name | Dendrophylax lindenii |
Common Name | Ghost Orchid |
Family | Orchidaceae |
Genus | Dendrophylax |
Species | D. lindenii |
Distribution | Florida, United States |
Habitat | Tropical hardwood forests, primarily in swamps and marshes |
Description | – Epiphytic orchid, lacks leaves and chlorophyll – Appears ghostly due to its white, translucent flowers – Flowers bloom from late spring to early fall |
Pollination | By the giant sphinx moth (Cocytius antaeus) |
Conservation Status | Endangered (IUCN Red List), protected under CITES Appendix II |
Threats | Habitat destruction, illegal collection, climate change |
Conservation Efforts | Protection of habitats, regulation of collection, research |
Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) – Philippines
Strongylodon macrobotrys, also called jade vine or turquoise jade vine, is a plant native to the Philippines with beautiful blue or green flowers that resemble claws. People enjoy growing it in warm, humid places like tropical gardens. It’s special because it’s not found in many areas and its appearance is quite striking. Jade vine was first discovered by Western explorers in 1841 during their exploration of Mount Makiling in the Philippines. A Harvard botanist named Asa Gray gave it its Western name. He described many plants collected during a large expedition by the United States. The expedition faced some conflicts with local people, and the leader faced legal issues afterward, but he was found not guilty.
Scientific Name | Strongylodon macrobotrys |
Common Name | Jade Vine |
Family | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
Genus | Strongylodon |
Species | macrobotrys |
Origin | Philippines, particularly Luzon, Mindoro, Leyte, Samar, and Mindanao islands |
Habitat | Tropical rainforests, particularly in lowland forests and ravines |
Conservation Status | Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) |
Description | A woody, perennial vine with striking turquoise or jade-colored flowers in pendant clusters. Leaves are composed of three leaflets, and the vine may climb up to 18 meters in height. |
Flowering Season | Typically blooms from late winter to early summer, around February to May. |
Pollination | Primarily by bats, but also by birds and insects |
Cultural Significance | Considered a national flower of the Philippines; also used in traditional medicine and landscaping |
Threats | Habitat loss due to deforestation, land conversion, and illegal collection |
Conservation Efforts | Conservation programs aimed at protecting its natural habitat and propagation efforts in botanical gardens and protected areas. |
Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia) – South America
Scientific Name | Dracula simia |
Common Name | Monkey Face Orchid |
Family | Orchidaceae |
Genus | Dracula |
Species | Simia |
Origin | Ecuador and Peru |
Habitat | Cloud forests, typically found on trees and rocks |
Description | Resembles the face of a monkey, with prominent lips |
Flower Size | Approximately 2-3 cm in diameter |
Flower Color | Varies, often brownish with hints of red and white |
Blooming Season | Spring and summer |
Fragrance | Mild, sweet scent |
Cultivation | Typically grown in humid, shaded environments, requires good air circulation and well-draining soil. |
Propagation | By division of rhizomes or by seed |
Conservation Status | Not evaluated (NE) |
Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) – Europe
The bee orchid is a plant that looks and smells like bees. Its petal looks like a female bee on a flower. Male bees try to mate with it, getting pollen stuck to them. The orchid then transfers its pollen to the bee.
Scientific Name | Ophrys apifera |
Common Name | Bee Orchid |
Family | Orchidaceae |
Genus | Ophrys |
Species | O. apifera |
Distribution | Throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East |
Habitat | Grasslands, meadows, scrublands, and woodland edges |
Flowering Season | Spring to early summer (April to June) |
Flower Color | Variable, often mimicking the appearance of a bee |
Plant Height | 10-50 cm |
Pollination | Mimics the appearance and scent of female bees to attract male bees for pollination |
Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) |
Special Features | Unique flower morphology mimicking a female bee |
Uses | Ornamental plant, studied for its fascinating pollination strategy |
Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) – Southeast Asia
Tacca chantrieri is a type of plant that blooms and belongs to the yam family called Dioscoreaceae. It was first identified in 1901 by Édouard André. This plant comes from Southeast Asia and is commonly known as the black bat flower because of its appearance. The black bat flower mostly pollinates itself, which is unique among plants. It thrives in environments similar to its native region, which means it prefers warm and moist conditions. People have used this plant in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes, including treating common illnesses and even diseases like cancer. In the Tacca genus, there are ten different species, but Tacca chantrieri is often called the bat flower, devil flower, or cat whiskers due to its distinct characteristics. Unlike most flowers, its flowers are black in color. The plant has large wing-like bracts and can grow flowers up to 12 inches wide. It can reach a height of 50-100 cm, and its bracteoles resemble long whiskers hanging from a bat, measuring 8-10 inches. Some scientists believe that these bracteoles might have the ability to perform photosynthesis.
Scientific Name | Tacca chantrieri |
Common Name | Black Bat Flower |
Family | Dioscoreaceae |
Genus | Tacca |
Origin | Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Burma |
Habitat | Tropical rainforests |
Description | Large, dark purple to black flowers resembling bat wings. Has long, whisker-like bracts hanging from the center. |
Bloom Time | Typically blooms from late spring to early autumn |
Flower Size | The flowers can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter |
Growing Zones | Typically grown in USDA zones 10-12 |
Light | Partial shade to full shade |
Soil | Well-draining, rich soil |
Watering | Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged |
Fertilization | Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season |
Propagation | By division of rhizomes or from fresh seeds |
Maintenance | Remove spent flowers and dead leaves regularly |
Pests | Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects |
Diseases | May suffer from root rot if overwatered |
Special Features | Unique and striking appearance, often used as a focal point in tropical gardens or as a houseplant |
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FAQs – Top 10 Unique or Rare Flowers in the World
What is the rarest flower in the world?
The Middlemist Red is the rarest flower in the world. Only two known examples of this flower are found in London and New Zealand.
What is a rare but beautiful flower?
Middlemist’s Red (Camellia japonica). This small, red camellia may look simple, but only two original live plants of its kind exist—one in New Zealand and one in the UK.
Which flower is luxury?
Orchids are some of the most luxurious flowers in the world, with some varieties costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per stem. The most expensive flower in the world is the Kadupul flower, also known as the “Queen of the Night.”
Which flower is priceless?
The Kadupul Flower. The simple reason why the Kadupul Flower is the champion of the most expensive flowers in the world list is: it is completely priceless. No amount of money could ever buy this flower.
What is the rarest flower in India?
The Ghost Orchid, India’s rarest flower, is a true gem. Its elusive beauty hides in dense jungles. With translucent petals and a haunting aura, it emerges rarely, like a shy ghost.
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