Identification of Tropical Flowers

If you'll be visiting an area with a tropical climate soon, or want to grow some tropical flowers in your garden, learn how to identify the variety of blooms that thrive in warm weather and moist soil. Color, shape and petal features are characteristic of tropical flowers, which make fanciful and impressive additions to a landscape.

Size
The calla lily, a trumpet-shaped bloom that grows in white, red, yellow and dark purple or "black," can reach up to 30 inches in maturity; when the flowers are spaced in a garden, they only grow to about 18 inches, according to Michigan State University. The wild ginger shrub, a tropical flower plant with cordate leaves and purple flowers, grows to about 10 inches tall, and it has a spread of about 2 feet.

Colors
The tropical hibiscus, also known as the Chinese hibiscus, grows singly or in couples, and boasts blooms in shades such as yellow, orange, pink and red, which are an eye-catching contrast against the dark, evergreen leaves. Anthurium, a plant with large, medium-green, heart-shaped leaves, features bright red or vivid pink flowers with cylinder-shaped yellow centers.

Shape
The bird of paradise flower has long leaves that are shaped like canoes, plus colorful petals that are pointed and shaped like a bird's wings. The petals of the dendrobium orchid are somewhat triangular --the flowers are five-pronged and grow in colors like fuchsia and lavender; cattleya orchids have long, slim petals that make the flower star-shaped, and include colorful spots along each petal.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7857832_identification-tropical-flowers.html

Meaning of Tropical Flowers

The language of flowers, or "floriography," rose to popularity during the reign of England's Queen Victoria in the mid to late 19th century. Floriography assigns a meaning and significance to any flower given in a bouquet -- and to many types of greenery, as well. Showy tropical flowers were popular gifts then, as they are today. If you want to express your emotions with a gift of these spectacularly extravagant blooms, include a card that will help the recipient decipher your message.

Orchids
Many types and colors of orchids exist, but they are all associated with lavish beauty. Ancient Greeks believed that eating parts of the orchid plant ensured fertility, but over the years the meaning of virility associated with the blossoms changed to one of luxury and splendor. Orchids are the traditional flower for a 14th wedding anniversary; cattleya orchids of any color mean "mature charm" while pink orchids mean "affection."

Heliconia
Heliconia flowers are also called Fake Bird of Paradise or Wild Plantain. They are tall, spiky red bracts with unique arrowhead-shaped petals. They are named for Mount Helicon, where Greek mythology placed the Nine Muses of science and the arts. A gift of heliconia symbolizes inspiration, intuition and divine guidance.

Anthurium
Anthurium are also called Painted Tongue or Flamingo Flower. They have distinctive flowers comprised of a single, red heart-shaped petal with a long bright-yellow stamen and look striking in a flower arrangement or bouquet. Anthurium symbolize hospitality and make a very appropriate "thank you" gift for a host.

Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise, also known as Crane Flower, with its colorful orange and purple petals rising from red-tinged green leaves is easily recognizable and associated with Paradise itself. It is the traditional ninth wedding anniversary flower and symbolic of joy. If Bird of Paradise is given from one half of a couple to the other, it represents "faithfulness."

Ginger
Red Ginger (also called Ostrich Plume Ginger) is the national flower of Samoa; it also grows wild in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other tropical areas. Though the spiky, showy red bracts are used in floral arrangements, the real flowers are small, white and almost unnoticeable inside the bracts. Red Ginger lasts an unusually long time in cut flower arrangements; perhaps this is the reason Red Ginger symbolizes strength.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8017692_meaning-tropical-flowers.html