Thanks to the region’s famous mediterranean climate, Southern California boasts one of the richest mixes of native and exotic plant life found anywhere in the world. But here’s a thorny pop-cultural question for you…
What does the Bird of Paradise pictured here have in common with the rose, camellia and California Golden Poppy?
One little hint: We’re not looking for a natural characteristic shared by the three species, but rather a man-made designation. Think you know the answer? To see if you’re right, click the continuation link.
Answer: If you guessed they’re all official flowers of some Southern California city, you’re right.
Even though it’s a native of South Africa, the Bird of Paradise (strelitzia reginae) is the official L.A. city flower. The rose, of course, carries that honor for Pasadena, as does the camellia in Temple City. The City of Altadena has designated California’s state flower, the Golden Poppy, its official municipal flower as well.
In fact, a quick Google search reveals quite a floral assortment among SoCal’s many communities. Here’s a small sampling:
- Azalea, Arcadia
- Orange Blossom, South Pasadena
- Friendship Rose, Whittier
- Statice Perezil, Downey
- Bouganvillea, Santa Monica
- Carnation, Fullerton
Oddly enough, unlike neighboring towns, Burbank apparently found it difficult to settle on just one official flower, forcing both the rhododendron and the plum blossom to share the honor.
