Discover The National Flower of Peru: Cantua Buxifolia

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: February 4, 2023
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Geography of Peru

Peru is located in western South America, bordered by both Columbia and Ecuador in the north, Bolivia and Brazil to the east, Chile in the south, and the mighty Pacific Ocean along its western coast. The geography of Peru is varied. It is composed of coastal plains with desert dunes on the west side, high plateaus in its central region known as Altiplano (High Plains), and mountain ranges, including the Andes Mountains, that run from south to north along its entire length. The eastern part of Peru consists mainly of tropical rainforest regions such as Amazon Basin, which has a very hot climate all year round. As for precipitation levels, they vary throughout Peru depending on altitude. Generally speaking, most areas experience mild winters with occasional rainfall, while summers tend to be dryer.

Peru

Peru is located in western South America, bordered by both Columbia and Ecuador in the north, Bolivia and Brazil to the east, Chile in the south, and the mighty Pacific Ocean along its western coast.

©Wollertz/Shutterstock.com

People and Culture

The people of Peru are incredibly diverse. Their culture that has been shaped by the contributions of many different ethnicities. The main groups represented in Peru include indigenous peoples, who make up roughly 45 percent of the population. Spanish is the national language of Peru. There are also an estimated 40 native languages spoken among its many indigenous communities.

Peruvian cuisine draws from a variety of sources, including Andean ingredients like potatoes, corn, and quinoa, as well as influence from other countries such as China. Music and dance have strong roots in Peruvian culture. Varying from traditional styles to modern Latin rhythms like salsa or cumbia. Religion plays an important part in everyday life for many Peruvians. Christianity is predominant, but there are also practitioners of both Incan religion and faiths born out of a mix between Christianity and ancient beliefs.

Two indigenous Quechua women in traditional clothes walking down the path to the harbor of Isla Taquile (Taquile Island) with the Titicaca Lake in the background, Peru.

The people of Peru are incredibly diverse. Their culture that has been shaped by the contributions of many different ethnicities.

©SL-Photography/Shutterstock.com

Native Plants

Peru is home to an incredible array of plants, with at least 20,533 species having been identified in the country’s varied habitats. These include aquatic environments such as rivers and lakes, desert landscapes, mountainous regions of the Andes Mountains, and lush Amazonian forests. Each ecosystem contains its own unique set of native flora that contributes to Peru’s amazing biodiversity.

Mirabilis jalapa (Marvel of Peru, Four o'clock flower)

Peru is home to an incredible array of plants, with at least 20,533 species having been identified in the country’s varied habitats.

©iStock.com/Magdevski

National Flower

The national flower of Peru is Cantua buxifolia. This beautiful flower has been adopted as a symbol of the country and its people since 1825 when it was chosen by General José de San Martín during his fight for independence from Spanish rule.

It is said to represent freedom, hope, and patriotism in Peru due to its bright red petals, which match the colors of the Peruvian flag. The Cantua buxifolia grows primarily in Andean regions at elevations high above sea level. With delicate yellow stamens surrounding a striking red center, this gorgeous bloom has become an important part of Peru’s culture and symbolism today.

Cantua buxifolia

Cantua buxifolia is a flowering plant that grows in the high valleys of the Andes mountains in South America.

©Jim Fannin/Shutterstock.com

What is Cantua Buxifolia?

Cantua buxifolia is a flowering plant that grows in the high valleys of the Andes mountains in South America. It is an evergreen shrub-like plant, growing up to 13 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with small leaves and long tubular flowers that are a brilliant pink color. This flower typically blooms during spring. It makes it easy for admirers to identify them when going on nature walks or hikes.

The Peruvian magic tree has other common names such as qantu, magic-flower, magic tree, the sacred flower of the Incas, and flor del Inca, all of which help distinguish this species from similar-looking plants while also showing its importance within Peru’s culture and history. Its beauty has been cherished by generations past who believed its presence brought good luck, thus giving Cantua buxifolia an even more mystical appeal.

Legends and Myths of Cantua buxifolia

The Inca legend of Cantua buxifolia tells the story of two powerful and wealthy kings from the Qullasuyu region (today’s Bolivian Altiplano), Illimani and Illampu, and their beloved sons. The kings became jealous of each other’s success and eventually declared war on one another. Both kings were mortally wounded in battle and, on their deathbeds, asked their sons to avenge them even though neither son had wanted the conflict. The sons fought and killed each other, leading Pachamama, the goddess of fertility, to appear. She admonished the young men for participating in their fathers’ unjustified war. As punishment, she made the stars of each king fall from the sky and become snow-covered mountains which are now known as Illimani and Illampu. The Cantua flower symbolizes unity and bears colors of red, yellow, and green to represent the two sons and hope.

The Incas believed that Cantua buxifolia had sacred properties which kept water pure for longer. They used it to adorn the paths of anyone taking part in a ritual as a sign of respect. It was also used during a coming-of-age ritual. It was placed on the foreheads of young people being tested for bravery and physical strength. After the end of the Inca Empire, people continued to use the flower in funeral ceremonies. They believe that the nectar it contained could assist the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.

Cantua buxifolia

The Incas believed that Cantua buxifolia had sacred properties which kept water pure for longer.

©SL-Photography/Shutterstock.com

How to Grow Cantua buxifolia

Cantua buxifolia is a member of the Phlox family and requires full sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 23°F. It should be planted in sheltered sites or grown in greenhouses if temperatures are particularly cold. Irrigation should occur regularly to ensure optimum growth and longevity of this flowering plant.

While it takes 3-4 years for Cantua buxifolia to begin producing blooms, once established, they will continue doing so annually on last year’s canes. The stems may need staking due to their length. It can reach 6-8 feet tall, with flowers up to three inches long! Pruning the plant just after flowering has finished is recommended. Any pruning done before this could inhibit flower production next season.

Other Uses

In addition to its use in religious and political ceremonies, Cantua buxifolia was also a popular motif for pottery designs during the 12th through 16th centuries. This is likely due to its bright orange-red flowers and simple structure. This made it an ideal symbol of beauty that could be easily reproduced on clay surfaces.

Today, the tradition of wearing a cap shaped like the Cantua flower is practiced by single women from the islands in Lake Titicaca. The purpose of this traditional headgear is twofold. It represents their unmarried status and allows young people attending festivities to quickly identify potential suitors among their peers. This practice has been passed down through generations and continues to be observed today.

Is Cantua Buxifolia Beneficial to Wildlife?

The Cantua buxifolia, also known as the National Flower of Peru, is a great source of nectar for hummingbirds. The flower produces an abundance of sugary nectar, which makes it a popular destination for these small birds.

This can bring many benefits to local wildlife as hummingbirds are important pollinators. Their presence helps to promote healthy ecosystems. Additionally, they provide food sources for other animals, like bats or insects that feed on them. Furthermore, their vibrant colors and unique shape make them gorgeous landscaping plants.

White-necked jacobin

The Cantua buxifolia, also known as the National Flower of Peru, is a great source of nectar for

hummingbirds

.

©Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock.com

Wildlife of Peru

Peru is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most iconic animals found in Peru include the Andean spectacled bear, jaguar, puma, giant otter, and an abundance of bird species such as macaws and hummingbirds.

Additionally, Peru is known for its diversity of amphibians which includes poison dart frogs and giant marine toads. Reptiles are also commonly seen throughout Peru, with some notable species being the green iguana, tortoises, boa constrictors, and geckos. Lastly, numerous invertebrates can be found in Peru, from moths to butterflies to bees to spiders!

Strongest cats - Jaguar

Peru has an abundance of wildlife, including jaguars.

©iStock.com/Patryk_Kosmider

What Other Flowers Grow in Peru?

In addition to the National Flower of Peru, Cantua buxifolia, many other wildflowers grow throughout the country. Some examples include Erythrina edulis, a bright red and orange flower native to the Amazon rainforest; Palicourea crocea, an orange bloom found in tropical climates; and Chusquea culeou, a species of bamboo with beautiful purple flowers.

Other popular native blooms include purple orchid, white lily, and sacred thornapple. In some areas of Peru, you may even find rare or endangered plants such as Spilanthes acmella. It is known for its medicinal properties.

There are many wildflowers and plants throughout the country.

©iStock.com/p-orbital

Next Up

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ArthruLrsn/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How did the Cantua buxifolia become the national flower?

The national flower of Peru is Cantua buxifolia. This beautiful flower has been adopted as a symbol of the country and its people since 1825 when it was chosen by General José de San Martín during his fight for independence from Spanish rule.

How to grow Cantua buxifolia?

Cantua buxifolia is a member of the Phlox family and requires full sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 23°F. It should be planted in sheltered sites or grown in greenhouses if temperatures are particularly cold. Irrigation should occur regularly to ensure optimum growth and longevity of this flowering plant.

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