What are flowers? These are some of the most unique and enchanting creatures of nature. Mankind initially admired wild wildflowers, mountain, forest flowers, gradually revealing the secrets of nature, nurtured new forms and species of these beautiful plants.
In general, flowers have always been present in human life in joyful and sad events. Thanks to their amazing shapes and colors, fresh flowers are used to decorate various events. This is a tribute of admiration, and a sign of respect, and an expression of sorrow.
What is a plant flower: a little biology
The flowering period is very important for the plant. The flower is involved in the formation of the fetus or seeds. The scientific definition of what a flower is, the following: it is the organ of reproduction of plants. It is in the flower that the pollination process takes place. Most often, insects are involved in this process, but other methods are possible. The stem of any plant ends with leaves or a flower. Each plant has its own flower scheme. There is a scientific version that this organ evolved from escape. Indeed, some types of plants have a flower shape, resembling slightly blossomed petals, for example, asters or dahlias.
Mostly flowers have a bright color or emit a fragrance. In these ways, plants attract insects. It is worth noting that the aroma does not emit petals, but nectaries. These are special glands that exude a sweetish and smelling liquid. In the inner part of the flower is a pestle surrounded by stamens. At the ends of the stamens are "bags" where pollen matures. These "bags" are scientifically called anthers. During fertilization, pollen enters the pestle and grows in it. So the fruits are formed.
The use of flowers in perfumes
More than 4000 years ago, man began using flowers to create the first perfumes. In Cyprus, in Pyrgos, a workshop was discovered with all kinds of devices for making fragrant compositions. After the analysis, it was found that the perfume composition consisted of needles, almonds, myrtle and other plants. In addition, an Arab named Avicenna was also involved in the extraction of fragrant substances from flowers. One of his famous inventions is rose water, which is still very popular to this day.
In the modern world, aromatic or essential oils of chemical production are used to create perfumes. Only limited series are created on the basis of natural components. Flowers such as rose, lavender, jasmine, lily of the valley, daffodil, lily and hyacinth do not allow women all over the world to remain indifferent to perfume fragrances.
Flowers in cooking
In addition to the use of flowers for perfumery purposes, mankind has long used them in cooking. The easiest way to use them is with all kinds of drinks or teas with flowers. Few have not tried tea with jasmine or linden. In addition, everyone knows jam from rose petals or jelly from calendula flowers with raspberries. If we turn to classical literature, then Ray Bradbury in his works mentions wine from dandelions. It has an unusual taste and a bright yellow color.
In addition, in cooking, flowers are used to prepare meat or fish, added to salads and desserts, and are an excellent decoration for confectionery. The names of these flowers are well-known to everyone: these are daisies, pansies, violets, nasturtiums and other plants familiar to Russians.
The use of flowers in medicine
The flowers of some plants have healing properties. For example, everyone knows what marigold flowers are. With diseases of the throat, rinsing with an infusion of them is effective. To improve the condition with a cold, a drink of linden blossom helps. Helichrysum flowers (the name speaks for itself) are generally unique, they can help with diseases such as cholecystitis, hepatitis, hypertension. Among other things, they have a choleretic property. Modern medicine, despite the abundance of medicines, often turns to a "flower pharmacy."
Also since ancient times, the flowers of some plants have been used as poisons. If we turn to history, we can see that these properties of flowers helped change the history of more than one state.
What are predator flowers
Not all natural creations are harmless. There is a certain group of predator plants. Most of the plants of this type grows on the African continent, but some species are also found in Russia. In predatory flowers, a bright coloration signals danger.
As a rule, predator plants have a flower that exudes an insect-attractive scent. And as soon as the insect sits on such a flower, then its bud either closes or the insect binds in it, not being able to get out. Small rodents sometimes fall into the flower bowls of such plants. The brighter the flower, the more toxic or dangerous it is.
Interesting about flowers
In conclusion, a few interesting facts:
- Some flowers are a symbol of a particular country. For example, what are rose flowers? It is the national symbol of England, the USA and Iran. Poppy is a sign of memory of those killed in the First World War in countries such as the United States, France and England.
- The cult of flowers in Egypt has a time span of more than 4000 years.
- The fastest growing champion is a tulip. Its growth per day reaches 20 mm.
- The most expensive flower in the world is a golden orchid, its cost is more than 5000 cu
- Gladiolus is one of the oldest plants. It got its name because of the similarity of its flower with a gladiator's sword.