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Flowers are among nature’s most captivating creations, admired for their fleeting beauty, ecological importance, and evolutionary diversity. While many flowers are widely found across continents, some of the rare flowers in the world exist only in isolated regions, survive under extreme conditions, or are already extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and human activity. Thanks to the efforts of botanists and conservationists for some of these rare flowers in the world are still alive, either in select places in the wild or in botanical gardens. People travel great distances for sighting of a rare bloom or to catch a glimpse of these unique flowers. From endangered orchids and night-blooming flowers to plants that survive only in botanical gardens, here are 18 unique blooms in the world, along with their scientific names & facts, where they grow, and the fascinating characteristics that make each one extraordinary. 18 Rare Flowers On Earth: Endangered, Extinct & Unusual Blooms Explained1. Juliet Rose - World’s Rarest & Expensive Rose The Juliet Rose is not only considered to be one of the rare flowers in the world, but it’s also the rarest rose in the world. The Juliet Rose is a type of tea rose that has peach and apricot-colored petals. In full bloom, they open to reveal smaller blooms at the heart. Why This Flower Is Rare: It took nearly 15 years for rose breeder David Austin to cultivate the flower. Scientific Name: Rosa ‘Juliet’ (cultivar name; no formal botanical species) Interesting Facts: It debuted in the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2006. Where To See Them: UK, US, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Ecuador, Taiwan. 2. Ghost Orchid - Florida’s Endangered Floral Species Image Source: news.wgcu.org Named after the shape of its petals, the Ghost Orchid is listed as one of the rare exotic flowers of the world. It requires high temperature and high humidity to grow, making it almost impossible to cultivate outside its natural habitat. The stem and flowers appear green in color with whitish petals. Why This Flower Is Rare: They bloom only for three weeks between April and August. Scientific Name: Dendrophylax Lindenii Interesting Facts: Emits a soap-like fragrance when in bloom. Where To See Them: Cuba, Florida and the Bahamas. 3. Fire Lily - Zimbabwe’s National Flower Also known as the Flame Lily, this trumpet-shaped flower with red and orange-yellow-colored petals, makes it look like flames. It’s also considered an invasive species in countries like Australia, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia. Why This Flower Is Rare: Due to over-collection for its high medicinal value. Scientific Name: Gloriosa Superba Interesting Facts: - It is toxic to humans and can also cause skin irritation. - It can grow up to 12 feet tall. - It’s used for medicinal purposes. Where To See Them: Asia and tropical parts of Africa Book Now: A Trip To The Valley of Flowers – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uttarakhand 4. Chocolate Cosmos - Flower That Smells Like Fresh Chocolate The Chocolate Cosmos has earned its place on the list of extinct flowers of the world as it has been extinct in the wild for years. It is reddish-brown in color and gives off a rich chocolate fragrance when it blooms, hence the name. Though extinct in the wild, the clones of the original flower still survive today. Why This Flower Is Rare: Extinct in the wild and survives only through cloned plants. Scientific Name: Cosmos Atrosanguineus Interesting Facts: - Blooms in the evening at the end of summer. - Seedless and reproduced only via root division since 1902. - Areas where these uncommon flowers grow are protected by law. Where To See Them: Mexico Also read: 11 beautiful places to see flowers in spring 5. Kadupul Flower - Queen Of The Night The Kadupul Flower rarely blooms, and is therefore considered as one of the most mystical flowers on Earth. They are large, beautiful, snowy white and star-shaped flower that blooms only at night and withers away by daybreak. Why This Flower Is Rare: Blooms for only a few hours at night and perishes by morning. Scientific Name: Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Interesting Facts: - It is known as Gekka Bijin in Japan which means, “Beauty Under the Moon”. - Very rare because of its unpredictable bloom. Where To See Them: Sri Lanka, Mexico, and South America 6. Corpse Flower - The World's Smelliest Flower The blossom of the titan arum The Corpse Flower is known as one of the world’s rarest blooms because it blooms just once in a few decades. When it blooms it emits a foul odor, similar to that of rotten meat. This flower has no roots, leaves or even a stem. Moreover, it seems to have only one petal shaped like a cone, which is green on the outside and burgundy red on the inside. Why This Flower Is Rare: Unpredictable blooming cycle. Scientific Name: Amorphophallus Titanum Interesting Facts: - Technically, a corpse flower is a flowering plant with clusters of blooms. - It grows up to 3.6 meters tall. Where To See Them: Indonesia, specifically the island of Sumatra. 7. Jade Vine - Luminous Green Wonder The Jade Vine is a claw-shaped flower that varies in color from blue to light green and hangs facing downward. These flowers are one of the most unique flowers in the world because deforestation has driven it close to extinction. Why This Flower Is Rare: Hard to cultivate outside its natural environment. Scientific Name: Strongylodon Macrobotrys Interesting Facts: - They reportedly have a luminous quality at twilight. - Pollinated mainly by bats. Where To See Them: Philippine rainforests 8. Middlemist’s Red – Possibly The Rarest Flower On Earth Image source: Pinterest The Middlemist Red is one of the rarest and most beautiful flowers in the world; so much so, that only two of its samples exist today. The flower was evidently wiped out of existence in its native China sometime after it was brought to the United Kingdom. Although it looks like a rose, the Middlemist’s red is actually a type of Camellia flower. Why This Flower Is Rare: Difficult to cultivate outside controlled environments. Scientific Name: Middlemist Camellia Interesting Facts: - Was brought to England by a botanist named John Middlemist in 1804. - Since John Middlemist sold quite a few of them to the public, they could still exist unknowingly in private gardens. Where To See Them: One in a botanical garden in New Zealand and the other in a greenhouse in London. 9. Franklin Tree Flower - Only Species Of The Franklinia Genus Image Source: gardenia.net The Franklin Tree Flower is listed among the rare flowers in the world as it has been extinct in the wild since the early 1800s. It’s a beautiful five-petalled white flower with clusters of golden yellow stamens in the centre. It is speculated that the plant went extinct in the wild due to a fungal disease. Why This Flower Is Rare: The tree is extinct in the wild. Scientific Name: Franklinia Alatamaha Interesting Facts: - All existing plants come from the seeds that were collected in the 1700s. - It was first discovered in 1765. Where To See Them: Altamaha River valley in Georgia, USA 10. Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid - Gold Of Kinabalu Image source: Flickr The Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid is considered one of the rare flowers in the world as it takes years to bloom. It’s so rare that it’s now worth thousands of dollars on the black market. What makes it a unique flower among the orchid family is that two thin petals grow horizontally from the centre. Why This Flower Is Rare: It takes about 15 years to bloom. Scientific Name: Paphiopedilum Rothschildianum Interesting Facts: - It grows between altitudes of 1,640 and 3,930 feet above sea level. - One stem is worth up to $5,000 on the black market. Where To See Them: Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. 11. Parrot’s Beak - Canary Island Beauty Parrot’s Beaks are rare claw-shaped flowers that grow on trailing vines and are found in striking orange and red colors. Much like most of the flowers on this list, only a few members of this species of flower exist today. Though these flowers are believed to be extinct in the wild, they still can be cultivated in gardens, as well as indoors. Why This Flower Is Rare: It is critically endangered in its native Canary Islands. Scientific Name: Lotus Berthelotii Interesting Facts: - Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. - It’s also known as Coral Gem, Pelican’s Beak, Cat Claw, Lotus Vine, and Pigeon Beak. Where To See Them: South America and the Caribbean 12. Koki’o - Hawaii’s Island Hibiscus The Koki’o, especially its immaculate species, is a rare breed found only in certain wet mountainous forest areas. They have large beautiful white flowers that give off a pleasant fragrance. Why This Flower Is Rare: Severe habitat loss in Hawaii. Scientific Name: Hibiscus Arnottianus Interesting Facts: - These flowers are easy to grow from fresh seeds but hybridise easily, causing the seedlings to differ from their parents. - The plant is a shrub that grows up to 457 centimetres to 609 centimetres tall. Where To See Them: Oahu and Moloka’i islands of Hawaii and Moloka’i Island. 13. Black Bat Flower - World’s Unusual Black Bloom The Black Bat Flower is the most unique flower in the world because it has the rarest flower color, black. Measuring up to 30 centimetres in diameter, the flower resembles a bat, which is how it got its name. It has long droopy whisker-like stamens, which can measure up to 70 centimetres long. Why This Flower Is Rare: Extremely limited native habitat and difficult growing conditions. Scientific Name: Tacca Chantrieri Interesting Facts: - Member of the Yam family. - It has a recently discovered relative known as the White Bat Flower. - There is a superstition that the evil eye will start following you if you look at these bat-shaped flowers for too long. Where To See Them: Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China. 14. Gibraltar Campion - Survivor Of The Cliffs Image source: Wikimedia commons This species of rare and beautiful flower is only found in Gibraltar and was thought to be extinct in the wild. However, these beautiful flowers were found in the British Overseas Territory’s Upper Rock Nature Preserve in 1994. Since then, the Campions are artificially grown at the Almeda Gibraltar Botanic Gardens and in the Royal Botanic Gardens of London. Why This Flower Is Rare: It grows only in Gibraltar. Scientific Name: Silene Tomentosa Interesting Facts: - The flowers on this plant range in color from violet to bright pink. - This mid-scented flower is protected under the Nature Protection Act of 1991 by the Law of Gibraltar. - The Gibraltar Campion plant is capable to grow about 40 cm. Where To See Them: Gibraltar, Britain 15. Youtan Poluo - The 3,000 Years Bloom Image Source: pinterest.com Youtan Poluo is a parasitic tiny flower which was actually found growing in Viet Linh on an aroid palm leaf. These rare white flowers measure no more than 1 millimetre in diameter and is commonly known as Udumbara. Why This Flower Is Rare: Blooms once every 3,000 years. Scientific Name: Not scientifically classified Interesting Facts: - This rare flower emits a mild yet noticeable sandalwood-like fragrance. - According to the Buddhist scriptures, these flowers symbolize immortality. - The looking of the Youtan Poluo flower is believed to mark the arrival of a future king or the reincarnation of the Buddha. - The word ‘Udumabara’ in Sanskrit means, auspicious flowers descending from heaven. Where To See Them: China and Taiwan 16. Cube-Shaped Pseudolithos – Cube Shaped But Not A Cube Image Source: kylesplants.com As the name suggests, Pseudolithos Cubiformis is a species of succulent plant that grows into a nearly perfect shape like a cube. The stone like succulent grows from a single stem and are always leafless. However, it has flowers in red, yellow, or green color. Why This Flower Is Rare: Due to its highly specific and demanding care requirements. Scientific Name: Pseudolithos Cubiformis Interesting Facts: - It’s a single stem plant that can grow up to five inches tall. Where To See Them: Somalia 17. Vulsa - Rarest Brugmansia Variety Image Source: icangarden.com Vulsa also known as Brugmansia Vulcanicola is the rarest Brugmansia variety of flower generally found in the mountains. It makes orangey-pink blossoms appear in waves through most of the year with each flower lasting for only one week. Why This Flower Is Rare: Due to the difficulty of cultivation outside its native high-altitude habitat.  Scientific Name: Brugmansia Vulcanicola Interesting Facts: - Vulsa plants cannot tolerate an excessively hot climate. - The orange flowers hang upside down from its green stem. Where To See Them: mountains of Colombia 18. Purple Passionflower - The Christian Crucifixion Story Image Source: wildflower.org The wild purple flowers known for their exotic appeal blooms for only a day. When the Purple Passion-flowers are left to mature, the flowers transform into juicy and sweet passion fruit. It’s believed that the ten petals of the flower represent the Christian crucifixion story, hence the name passion flower. Why This Flower Is Rare: Each flower blooms for just one day, limiting pollination and visibility. Scientific Name: Passiflora Incarnata Interesting Facts: - It is the state flower of Tennessee. - Some passion fruits are eaten as delicate dessert fruits. Where To See Them: Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina Also Read: 8 strange plants from around the world and where to find them Final Words Many of the rare flowers listed above are either extinct in the wild or in the process of being driven to extinction or surviving only due to conservation efforts. By letting such beautiful and unique flowers die, we are not only depriving the future generation of witnessing their beauty and mystique, but are also doing irreparable damage to the ecology and environment. While a few of the unique rare blooms are protected by law, most aren’t. However, not all hope is lost. By promoting awareness about these rare and beautiful flowers, we can put in care and work towards saving them from further and more permanent extinction. Protecting rare flowers is not only a conservation priority but also essential for preserving global biodiversity and ecological balance. FAQs About Rare Flowers What makes a flower rare? A flower is considered rare when it only bloom under specific conditions or found at specific destinations under the right ecological conditions or are only rarely found growing in the wild. 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. Do blue and black roses really exist in nature? No, there are no blue and black roses in nature. The color blue is not in the gene pool of roses, therefore naturally or in the cross-breeding process it would be impossible to get a blue rose. The blues and blacks that you see are either created by genetic modification or are painted or dyed blue. Are rare flowers protected by law? Yes, many rare flowers are protected by national and international conservation laws. Picking, uprooting, or damaging them, particularly on federal or protected lands are strictly prohibited. Protection varies from country to country, with several species still facing threats from habitat loss and illegal collection.

India is a country that has years of history, religion, traditions, centuries-old beliefs and different ways of living. So, it’s not hard to believe that Indian superstitions play a major role in daily life. From how people start their day, to what they avoid until going to bed is something that’s often followed unconsciously. While some beliefs have scientific foundations, some are rooted in mythology and some are narratives passed down through generations. So, here’s a complete guide to the most popular superstitions in Indian, their origin, meaning and why people still practice them. What Is The Meaning Of Superstition The Cambridge Dictionary defines superstition as “a belief that is not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but is connected with old ideas about magic, etc.” Indian superstitions and beliefs are quite rampant. From amusing to downright bizarre, there are many superstition beliefs in India. Just as a language will have different dialects in different regions, one superstition or belief might be practised in a variety of ways in different regions. While superstitions are usually attributed to a lack of education, well-educated Indians also follow these superstitions quite blindly. List Of The Most Popular Superstitions In India Here are some of the most commonly held Indian superstitions. You can see at least one of them being practised almost every day in most areas. Here’s a closer look at some superstitions in India. Table That Summarises The 20 Most Common Superstitions In India Sl. NoSuperstitionBelief / MeaningWhy People Follow It1Lemon & ChilliesProtects against evil eye (nazar).Cultural symbol of protection; antibacterial logic.2Crow Droppings  Brings sudden good luck.Idea that inconvenience brings future fortune.3Adding 1 Rupee to GiftsSymbolizes continuity and prosperity.“₹1” prevents the amount from ending.4Curd + Sugar Before Going OutEnsures a sweet, successful startCooling effect + instant energy.5Mynah Birds2 birds = good luck; 6 birds = moneyBelief that bird sightings predict destiny.6No Sweeping After SunsetDrives away Goddess Lakshmi.Old habit from pre-electricity days.7No Cutting Nails/Hair on Certain Daysvoid bad luck; avoid angering Shani.Astrology and cultural rules.8Kajal Dot on BabiesProtects infants from evil eye.Traditional nazar prevention.9Itchy PalmsRight palm = money in; left palm = money out.Based on energy flow beliefs.10Avoiding the Number 13Associated with misfortune.Adopted from global Christian belief.11Upside-Down SlippersBrings financial loss or conflict.Household energy belief.12Eye TwitchingMen: right eye good luck; Women: left eye good luck.Future predictions through bodily signals.13Black Cat Crossing PathCauses delays or obstacles.Symbolic omen across many cultures.14Avoiding EclipsesUnsafe to go out or eat during eclipse.Mix of science + cultural caution.15Swallow Tulsi LeavesChewing disrespects Goddess Lakshmi.Tulsi is considered sacred.16Avoid Peepal Trees at NightSpirits are believed to reside there.Strong folklore around ghosts.17Bathe After A FuneralRemoves negative energy and germs.Hygiene + ritual purification.18Breaking a MirrorBrings 7 years of bad luck.Mirrors linked to destiny.19Calling Someone While They LeaveInterrupts their luck or task.Cultural habit around beginnings.20Don’t Buy Black Shoes on SaturdayDispleases Shani; brings obstacles.Astrology-based belief. 1. Lemon nd Chillies To Ward Off Evil Lemon and seven chillies strung together in front of the door. Hanging a lemon and seven chillies strung together in the house at the front door or under the front bumper of your vehicle to protect against an evil eye and spirits is one of the most common superstitious beliefs in India. Belief: Protects from evil eye and negativity. Scientific Reason: Lemon and chillies work as effective natural pesticides and natural antibacterials, thus protecting the home or whichever environment it is hung in. 2. Crow Droppings Brings Luck Crow poop on you is considered to bring good luck. If a crow poop on you, it’s considered good luck. This Indian superstition is based on a belief that if you suffer an inconvenience, you’ll have good fortune in return. Belief: An unpleasant event that will bring good luck. 3. Adding One Rupee To Cash Gifts Adding 1 rupee to gifts symbolizes continuity and prosperity. Giving cash as gifts is common practice in various Indian occasions, ranging from birthdays to weddings and festivals. People in India gift amounts like ₹101, ₹501, ₹1001 instead of round numbers. Belief: The extra ₹1 signifies continuity of growth and prosperity. 4. Eating Curd & Sugar Before Going Out Pot filled with freshly made curd. One of the most common Indian superstitions is to have a spoonful of curd mixed with a little sugar before going out or embarking on a new journey. Belief: A sweet start ensures a good and successful outcome.Scientific Reason: Eating curd has a cooling effect on the digestive system, while sugar adds energy. Also Read: 12 Unique Customs And Traditions In India That You Should Know 5. Spotting Mynah Birds Spotting a specific number of mynah birds brings good luck. The Indian superstition of spotting a specific number of mynah birds or magpies might bring good or bad luck. Seeing one common mynah bird is believed to bring bad luck, but seeing a couple of them is supposed to bring good luck. There is a bonus: If you see six of them together, it means you are going to receive some money. Belief: Specific number ofbird sightings can bring good or bad luck. 6. No Cleaning The House After Sunset Woman sweeping the street outside her home in India. Cleaning or sweeping the house after sunset is believed to drive away the Hindu goddess of wealth Lakshmi. Belief: Avoid sweeping after sunset to keep wealth inside. Logical Reason: When there was no electricity,sweeping at night meant misplacing valuables. 7. Avoid Cutting Hair And Nails After Sunset Cutting your hair and nails after sunset is considered inauspicious. One of the most commonly followed superstitions in India is not cutting your hair and nails after sunset, it is considered inauspicious. Cutting on Thursdays and Saturdays too is said to bring bad luck. It is believed that such an act angers the planet Saturn (Shani), bringing on misfortune. Belief: Cutting nails after sunset or on sacred days displeases Shani (Planet Saturn). 8. Black Kajal Dot On A Baby’s Forehead Young Indian mother kissing her beloved baby. In order to prevent unfortunate accidents, a lot of infants in India have a small spot (or several) of kaajal on their forehead and/or cheeks, even under their feet. Sometimes their eyes are lined with black kaajal too. This is supposed to ward off the evil eye. Belief: Even infants can be the victim of an evil eye, hence protect them from nazar by putting small kajal dots. 9. Itchy Palms Can Predict Financial Movements Scratching an itchy left palm is a sign of money going out. According to Indian superstitions, an itchy palm indicates some internal energy moving to your palms. When your right palm itches, it’s believed money will come in, but when your left palm itches, money may go out. Belief: Palm itchiness predicts financial movement. Logical Reason: Right palm is supposed to be dynamic or active, while the left hand is receptive or inactive. 10. Avoid The Number 13 Fear of the number 13 is a common superstition around the world. This isn’t just among the superstitions in India; fear of the number 13 is a common superstition around the world. It’s said to have originated from the fact that Jesus’ 13th disciple Judas was the one who betrayed him and hence very unlucky. Belief: Globally considered an unlucky number. 11. Upside Down Slipper  Pair of black flip flops. In some Indian households, it is believed that leaving your flip-flops turned upside down will bring bad luck. It can bring arguments, misfortune or even financial loss to the family. Belief: It invites household conflict or financial loss. 12. Eye Twitching  Yes, eye twitching is related to your destiny according to Indian superstitions. But it also depends on which eye twitches, as well as your gender. A twitching right eye brings good luck for men, while a twitching left eye brings good news for women. Belief: Hints at future good/bad events. Logical Reason: typically caused due to stress, fatigue, or excessive caffeine. 13. Black Cat Crossing Your Path A black cat crossing your path is meant to signal that tasks get delayed or postponed. Some even wait till others walk by so that they are saved, the logic behind this is that the others will bear the brunt of the ‘curse’. Belief: Black cat sightings are linked to temporary setbacks. 14. Don't Step Out During An Eclipse According to this superstitions in India, observing the sun during a solar eclipse should be avoided. It is also suggested to not consume anything during the celestial event. Pregnant women are advised to remain indoors during the entire time as well. Belief: Negative energy, inauspiciousness, and potential harm to foetuses. Scientific Reason: Doing so may cause retinal burns or eclipse blindness. 15. Swallow Tulsi Leaves Tulasi is a medicinal plant. This one is a popular Indian belief as our ancestors believed that Tulsi is goddess Lakshmi’s avatar and hence, it is often prayed to as well. The leave of Tulsi Mata is supposed to be swallowed and never chew to not show disrespect to the goddess. Belief: Tulsi is considered sacred and an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi. 16. Don't Go Near A Peepal Tree At Night Peepal tree gives oxygen 24/7. Peepal trees are quite notorious in the Indian society. Our ancestors believed that peepal trees are where ghosts reside and it is considered a dangerous place at night. There are many who believe that if you sleep around this tree at night, the ghosts will kill you. Belief: Association with the supernatural activities. 17. Taking Bath After A Funeral People standing in the banks of the river after performing the last rights. It is believed that when the funeral rites are performed on the body of the deceased, negative spiritual forces, bad luck, or evil spirits can cling to a person. Hence a bath soon after attending a funeral is necessary to wash off negative energy. Belief: To keep off negative spiritual forces. Scientific Reason: Burial grounds arehome to many kinds of bacteria and infections. So, it is necessary to take a bath soon after attending a funeral to wash off unnecessary infections. 18. Breaking A Mirror Shattered glass pieces all over. According to this superstition, if a mirror breaks, it means seven years of bad luck. The curse can only be nullified if one takes the pieces outside and buries them under the moonlight. Also, if an undisturbed mirror in a house suddenly falls and smashes, it means that there will soon be a death. Belief: Seven years of misfortune if a mirror breaks. 19. Not saying Goodbye Before Leaving Portrait of multi-generation family standing in nature and looking at the camera. It’s advisable to not say goodbye to someone or tell them something when they are going out the door. Our ancestors believed that calling someone’s name while they are going is bad luck. If one does so, the person leaving will be unlucky in whatever activity he/she was about to undertake. Belief: Calling someone after they have step out is believed to bring bad luck in their task. 20. Don't Buy Black Shoes On Saturday Shiny black shoes Buying black shoes on a Saturday is supposed to be inauspicious. According to Hindu Mythology, wearing black shoes on Saturdays disappoints Shani (God of justice in the Hindu religion) and this might bring failure and create hurdles in your life. Belief: It’s like displeasing Shani Dev. Suggested Reads: 10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around The World Final Words Some Indians believe that the mysticism associated with the power in inanimate things has considerable influence over one’s life. Some of these superstations in India have been handed down for generations from our ancestors, who are revered to be wise. This is the reason why we can’t seem to let go of many age-old beliefs. Let us know if we have missed any of the most bizarre superstition in India in the comments below! FAQ's What are some good luck superstitions? Some good luck superstitions in India are eating curd before going out for an important task, spilling salt, and hanging lemons and chillies at the gate. What is considered bad luck in India? A black cat crossing the road symbolizes bad luck in India, shaking your legs, eye twitching, a clock that is stuck, and buying black shoes on Saturdays. What are the causes of superstition? Some of the Indian superstitions are followed because of Indian mythology, many are passed down from our ancestors and simply followed out of habit, while some are based on scientific reasoning. Do superstitions in India differ by region, religion or community? Yes, superstitions in India does differ by region, religion, and community.  What customs and beliefs are common in one area may not be the same in other area.