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Iris: National Flower of Algeria

The National Flower of Algeria is Iris. The iris is often associated with royalty and this is not surprising. This royal flower makes the show in the garden from the beginning to the middle of summer. National Flower of Algeria majestic flowers have colors that range from traditional shades of purple and blue to yellow, white, pink, red, chartreuse, brown and almost black. There is an iris for every occasion.

Meaning of the National Flower of Algeria

The iris has different meanings according to the peoples and the cultures. Here are some of its meanings:

  • Royalty
  • Trust
  • Wisdom
  • Hope
  • Courage

Iris: National Flower of Algeria

Etymological Meaning of the Iris

The iris owes its name to the ancient Greek goddess Iris, a messenger of the gods who was supposed to use the rainbow as a bridge between heaven and earth. According to some accounts, the ancient Greeks saw in the rainbow the fluid and multicolored robes of Iris. Others believed that these beautiful multicolored flowers were a part of her dress or the veil floating behind her. Thus, these flowers were baptized to honor the goddess of the rainbow and bring her blessing on the earth.

Symbolic of the Iris

The ancient Greeks began the practice of planting purple irises on the graves of women, believing that they would convince the Goddess Iris to take their loved ones to paradise.

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These majestic flowers, as evidenced by their representation in Egyptian palaces, were also worshiped by Egyptian kings. The Egyptians were probably influenced by Greek mythology and used the iris to symbolize their relationship with the sky.

In the middle Ages, France took up the challenge and began using the iris to symbolize royalty and power. In fact, it is the iris that inspired the fleur-de-lees, the national symbol of France.

In the United States, the iris is the birth flower for the month of February, the flower of the 25th wedding anniversary and the flower of the state of Tennessee.

Iris: National Flower of Algeria

Iris Info

Iris is both the common name and scientific name of these impressive flowers. There are 325 species and 50,000 official varieties of irises. These flowers are generally divided into two groups, bearded irises and beardless irises, which include Japanese and Siberian irises. They range from imposing flowers of five feet or more to small dwarf less than eight inches tall.

Bearded irises appear to have a small beard, as their “sepals” (the lower petals hanging down) are blurred. The beardless irises do not have this blurry appearance. The irises reproduce by their swollen roots. While the bearded irises produce a round tuber, called rhizome, which resembles an oblong potato, others produce small bulbs.

Wild irises, usually blue or purple, grow throughout the United States and are often referred to as “blue flags”. These irises resemble the irises of Siberia. The irises of the florists are mostly blue or purple and add emphasis to the bouquets of flowers.

Meaning of Iris Color

The iris symbolizes royalty, wisdom and courage, but its color also affects the message it brings.

  • Purple – The traditional meaning of purple irises is royalty, but that is not all. Purple can also represent wisdom, respect and compliments.
  • Blue – Blue irises symbolize hope and faith.
  • Yellow – Yellow irises symbolize passion.
  • White – White irises express purity and innocence.


Significant Botanical Characteristics of the Iris

Iris roots have been used in medicine to treat skin infections, syphilis, stomach problems and dropsy. Today, these roots are still used to purge the liver. In alternative medicine, yellow iris is used to treat dandruff and white iris to treat asthma and bronchitis, as well as diuretics.

The delicate fragrance of the iris flower is used in cosmetics and perfumes, while the iris flower is used as a compress to treat acne.

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