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Overview
There are estimated to be over 270,000 different species of flowers around the world. Fossilized flowers date back hundreds of millions of years. These varied and beautiful plants have graced the earth longer than humans. Though the blossoms of a plant serve an important biological purpose, they also serve a function in culture and society both past and present. The many functions of flowers are as diverse as the flowers themselves and demonstrate their importance to other plants and animals as well as to humans.
Function
The flower is the reproductive structure of the plant from which they bloom. These blossoms typically contain both pollen and ovules, although some species of flower are only male or female. Fertilization occurs when the pollen reaches the stigma. Insects, birds, and other living creatures frequently serve to pollinate flowers by moving the pollen from one flower to the next. However, some flowers self pollinate while others primarily use the wind to move their pollen. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which serve to perpetuate the species.
Symbolism
Aside from their reproductive responsibilities, these attractive and colorful blooms serve many functions for people in various societies. Many cultures have assigned symbolic meaning to various flowers. The Chinese gave great importance to various flowers. Mums, orchids, plums, and bamboo were considered noble plants that could only be grown by the higher classes in society. The Chrysanthemum was featured on the badge of the old Chinese army as well as the Imperial Crest of Japan. In the Victorian era, flowers had a very distinct purpose and meaning in society. A man's selection of flowers could convey emotions ranging from deep love to dislike. And invitation or question could be answered with flowers; if they were presented in the right hand they meant yes, while presentation in the left hand meant no.
Art
Flowers serve as a beautiful artistic inspiration to poets, painters, and other artists. Margaret Deland and Robert Frost wrote extensive series of poems about flowers. The shape and form of the flower is often thought to represent femininity and the female form. Flowers are also a popular subject for still life paintings, as seen in such famous works as Water Lilies by Monet and Sunflowers by Van Gogh. Flowers are also frequently dried and pressed to be used in art.
Food
Some flowers are edible and served as food. Sunflower seeds are a popular snack. Tulip bulbs are edible and the Japanese use them to make a flour. Natives in North Africa chewed on Queen Anne's Lace because it can stimulate the production of skin pigment and helped protect them from the sun. Dandelions can be eaten by themselves and can also be used to make a wine. Hibiscus can be boiled for a drink as well. Romans and Asian Indians created a variety of recipes with rose petals.
Decoration
Today, flowers serve a variety or purposes. They are used decoratively around the home for their color and fragrance. Flowers are traditionally included in weddings in the form of the bouquets and corsages for the wedding party as well as decorations for the ceremony and reception. Corsages and boutonnieres are exchanged for dances and other formal events. Flowers are presented at funerals and frequently placed on graves. Nearly any event can be celebrated or commemorated with a bouquet.
