During a regular cabinet meeting in 2014, the Mongolian government declared the scabiosa butterfly blue as the national flora of pride. Scabiosa comosa is the scientific name for scabiosa butterfly blue, which is also known in Mongolia as Ber Tsetseg.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Mongolia conducted a two-month survey to determine the national flower. Respondents, including botanic researchers, experts, students, tour operators, and tourists, voted for the most preferred one, and the scabiosa came out on top, becoming Mongolia's national flower.

Butterfly-blue Scabiosa is a common summer flower that can be found throughout Mongolia. The common name 'scabious' comes from the herb's traditional use as a folk medicine to treat scabies, an illness that causes severe itching. Mongolians make silver saddle plates with the flower which represents tolerance.

The government hopes that the national flower will help to expand Mongolia's tourism industry as well as the flora business. Scabiosa butterfly blue has a long blooming period, and the beauty of these purple flowers can be enjoyed for a long time. The flowers are high in nectar and thus appealing to many insects, including butterflies and moths. They provide food for the larvae of some lepidoptera species.

The plant is easy to grow and prefers bright, moist conditions. It looks lovely as an edging or in large groups in borders or rock gardens. Scabiosa comosa blooms for three months in the summer. It comes in a variety of colors, ranging from pale blue to light purple.

For more:

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The Power of Flower: Rose of Sharon

(All images via VCG.)

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