Blue flowers are rare in their own right. Add in the blue puya flower’s large size and trumpet-like shape, and you’ve got yourself a stunning specimen. The blue puya is a type of terrestrial bromeliad that’s related to the common pineapple. However, these plants are much more rare than the common fruit. If you want to see a blue puya, your best bet is to head to their native habitat in Chile.
Also known as the lotus vine flower or pelican beak, this uncommon flower is native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. Although they can be found in cultivation, wild plants are exceedingly rare. It only takes one look at the bright blooms to see where this plant got its name.
While camellias aren’t very rare, you can only see this specific type of camellia in two locations! In the early 1800s, this species likely existed throughout China. However, it became extinct in the wild by the end of the century. The only plants that were in existence were those that were cultivated indoors. Today, one plant exists in New Zealand and the other is in Great Britain.
Catching a glimpse of this cactus’ blooms, also known as Kadupul flowers, takes a fair bit of patience. Not only do the plants rarely bloom, but the flowers emerge at night and wither by dawn. While the plants are native to Mexico and South America, you can grow them indoors. Additionally, cultivated plants have escaped and can now be found throughout countries like Sri Lanka.
A type of protea, this flower is perhaps the most attractive member of the group of fireworks pincushion flowers. While you may think the elongated portions are petals, they are actually individual flowers. This protea species is considered endangered in its native South Africa.
While the ghost orchid’s white flowers are unique, what really sets it apart is its lack of leaves. Unlike most plants, this orchid photosynthesizes via its roots rather than its leaves! Like a ghost, it can be a bit elusive to find since the species is endangered in its native habitat of Florida and Cuba.
A member of the slipperwort family, this plant is native to the southern tip of South America. While the name suggests the flowers look like a pair of slippers, some people think they resemble flocks of orange penguins or aliens with their mouths wide open. These plants are quite rare, and it’s not uncommon to find counterfeit seeds.
Native to the Philippines, the jade vine produces hanging clusters that can contain up to 75 of the stunning turquoise flowers. Since the flowers resemble claws, the plant also goes by the name tiger claws. The hanging flowers are pollinated by bats, but deforestation in the Philippines is threatening both the flowers and the bats.
Although these flowers are orchids, they look quite different from the ones you may have growing in your home. They emerge from forest floors across the United States and other temperate areas, but finding one can take some patience as well as knowledge of your local area. There are numerous species of lady’s slippers, including the showy lady’s slipper pictured above.
While this flowering vine is native to the Southeastern United States, it certainly provides an exotic look! Since each flower blooms for only a day, it’s a treat to come across the wild blooms. If left to mature, the flowers will transform into sweet and juicy passionfruit. The purple passionflower is also the state flower of Tennessee – check this out if you’re interested in learning all 50 state flowers.
