Different Types Of Flowers

There are many different types of flowers all over the world of great beauty and variety just waiting to be discovered. There are so many varieties; one could take almost a lifetime to see them all. Not only are there flowers in the traditional sense, as in garden plants, but they are on many hundreds if not thousands of flowering shrubs, vines, herbs, weeds and trees as well. The scents of these plants are almost as diverse as the flowering plants themselves. The many varieties can be found in any type of climate on Earth, even in arctic and desert regions, demonstrating the wonderful hardiness of these plants. Of all the types of plants in the world, blooming varieties are probably the most pleasant of them all due to their beauty, scent and adaptability.

Even though all different types of flowers have been around since the beginning of time, mankind did not really begin earnestly cataloging and classifying blooming plants until the Middle Ages. Of course the terminology we see, the genus and species, is in the language of Latin, because that was the language of the learned in those days. Not many common people could either read or write, and so it was up to the scholars to do so. The names of the flowering plants were very clear to those who understood Latin, but to modern day people, Latin can be very confusing. Middle Age scholars named plants according to the way they looked, smelled or how they were shaped. So for the learned, understanding was gained by reading the name. For example, Chrysanthemum means yellow bloom, the "Chrys-" portion of the word means yellow. Using flowers as descriptive language is also used in the Bible. "His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh" (Song of Solomon 5:13 KJV).

The many different types of flowers can be described according to the way they are shaped. For example by how many petals are on the plant, whether or not the petals are joined together, how many petals surround the center, the shape of the petals, how many grooves they have, whether or not the bloom is symmetrically shaped and even by how many clusters there are on a plant or stem. All of these descriptions have technical names which we will not need to get into. Despite the technicality of names or descriptions, nothing can take away from the fact that these plants have inspired people all through the ages to write poetry, to paint, to write songs, and have caused people to send blooms as wonderful gifts to loved ones. Blooming plants have been used to adorn people, houses, animals and ornaments of all kinds and sold in marketplaces. There are even varieties that can be eaten!

All the different types of flowers have been so loved throughout time, that people have attached meaning to both the color and type of plant. In this way expression is made more meaningful and deep. The meanings of different flowers got started around the Victorian Era, when people enjoyed communicating with symbols more than with words. Of course the universal meaning of the color red is love, but it could also mean passion, faithfulness and admiration, depending on the feelings of the giver to the recipient. Obviously meanings carry different connotations for everyone, and so this has given way to the great diversity of the meanings of different flowers. Another obvious meaning given to white colored blooms is purity, but it can also mean innocence and quiet. In Texas, it is popular to give a dozen yellow roses to a wife upon the birth of a first child. However, yellow has historically been associated with cowardice, and giving birth to a child certainly has no relation to that! Yellow can also mean joy, which would be a much more suitable feeling on such a great occasion.

Flowers are so popular, that Nations, States and even cities have official flowers. The twelve months of the year each have a different flower also. For example the official flower of the USA is the Rose and the state flower for Ohio is the Carnation. If a birthday falls in March, Jonquils or violets might be given. In July it is popular to give Water Lilies and in October one can probably expect to receive Calendulas. Now, let us discuss emotions for a bit. Perhaps the giver wants the recipient to understand from the gift that he or she is feeling love. The following have been given to mean love: Ambrosia, Gardenia and Forget-Me-Nots, although those are not the only ones. There are even flowers that reflect bad feelings or negativity. Some can hardly imagine sending flowers representing those emotions, but the following plants can represent bad feelings: Petunias can represent deceit or anger, Begonias evil thinking and the obvious Apple meaning from the Garden of Eden, temptation. Think a bit about what meaning is to be conveyed with the gift before giving. The meanings of different flowers will most likely always mean a variety of things to everyone, because humans are so varied and differ in thoughts and emotions.

Regardless of the meanings of different flowers, these beautiful and delicate plants will continue to be enjoyed until the end of time, as long as humans enjoy the beautiful scents and aromas. There is something very comforting about growing beautiful plants and enjoying the beauty that results, and the satisfaction of having done the hard work to help it grow. Now for a great night of sleep, go out a pick some lavender and put it near the bed for a wonderful peaceful night of rest.

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