Discover the National Flower of Nigeria: The Yellow Trumpet

Nigeria is a country located on the west coast of Africa, south of Niger, west of Chad, northwest of Cameroon and east of Benin. Geographically and culturally diverse, the country has abundant natural resources, people speak hundreds of different languages, and climates range from arid to tropical.

The size of the country is comparable to the state of Texas in the United States, and it is geographically vast. In addition, the country is the most populous country in Africa and its citizens have a wide range of cultural and linguistic groups. The symbol of this vibrant nation is the yellow trumpet, Nigeria’s national flower. Let’s learn about this unique flower together!

About Nigeria

A large and geographically diverse country, Nigeria has diverse topography and climates. Plains dominate the northern part of Nigeria. In the central part of the country, extinct volcanoes rise above the plains, along with landscapes of lava plains.

The southern mountainous region near the border with Cameroon is dominated by mountains several thousand meters above sea level. In general, Nigeria’s climate is tropical in most parts of the country, fluctuating between wet and dry seasons. However, the situation varies across the country, with the southeastern region remaining hot and humid, while the southwest tends to be drier.

The equator divides Nigeria. The country’s diverse landscape includes freshwater swamps, dense rainforests, tropical grasslands, deserts and riverine woodlands. In some places, the original habitat has been replaced by agriculture and large plantations. Unfortunately, this contributes to loss of plant diversity and destruction of native ecosystems. Over-farming and wildfires are leading to plant loss, especially in the north. As a result, overexploitation of this land has caused the Sahara Desert to expand further south.

Nigeria’s national flower represents the landscape and people of this unique country, as well as a greater symbol for the many countries on the African continent where it grows. Now that you know a little bit about Nigeria, this article will introduce you to the golden trumpet flower.

We examine its appearance, where it grew up, and its special role in Nigerian culture. You will also learn why this flower was chosen as the national flower of Nigeria. Find out exactly why Nigerians love Nigeria so much.

What is Nigeria’s National Flower?

The national flower of Nigeria is the Costus spectabilis species, commonly known as the yellow trumpet flower. This herbaceous perennial species has large, flat leaves and showy yellow flowers. This bright and beautiful flower grows all over Nigeria. However, it also grows throughout the African continent. Africa is big! The yellow trumpet grows all over the continent, from Sierra Leone to Sudan and as far south as Angola and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria’s national flower, the yellow trumpet, is believed to symbolize the country’s beauty, uniqueness and prosperity. Others believe it represents the resilience, happiness and radiant demeanor of Nigerians.

Being in Nigeria, you can find this flower among numerous crafts and symbols. This includes the visual representation in the coat of arms. However, in the national coat of arms, the yellow trumpet is represented by the inclusion of several small bright red flowers at the bottom.

What is the Yellow Trumpet, the National Flower of Nigeria?

The yellow trumpet, the national flower of Nigeria, is a tropical flowering herb. Scientifically known as Costus spectabilis, the yellow trumpet produces four large, fleshy leaves. These form rosettes when grown close to the ground. It grows just inches above the ground, lays flat, and forms the basis for showy yellow flowers.

The edges of the green leaves may also be purple or pink. When the trumpet-shaped flowers bloom, they are large and brightly colored. However, they quickly wither and new flowers bloom soon. But when it’s in bloom, the trumpet-shaped yellow flowers are beautiful!

They usually reach up to 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter and grow out of the leaves, each growing to about 5 inches in length. These showy flowers have soft petals and trumpeted or wide ruffled margins. Flowers such as yellow, orange and red bloom from spring. The plant continues to produce new flowers through early winter.

And in winter the plants go dormant. This reflects the classification of Cotus spectabilis as a rhizomatous terrestrial plant. In fact, it is normal for these species to store energy and water in underground organs. The roots have pods that spread underground to form new plant branches.

During the growth cycle, this plant responds to seasonal rains in his April and he May and blooms until October or November. Once dormant, rhizomatous terrestrial plants shrink into worm-like shapes and wait for the return of the spring rainy season to rejuvenate the plants.

Where Does the Yellow Trumpet Grow?

The yellow trumpet is the national flower of Nigeria, but it grows in many African countries. It is a tropical flower that thrives in wet and humid environments. However, like many other species in the genus Costus, yellow trumpet prefers shady conditions, absorbs dappled sunlight, and prefers moist soils and humid tropical climates.

Yellow trumpets are usually native to countries on the southwest coast of the African continent, as far east as Sudan and as far south as Zimbabwe. According to scientists, Yellow Trumpet grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 10b.

What is the Cultural Significance of the Yellow Trumpet?

Yellow trumpets are important in many African countries and cultures of their origin. However, the roots of Costus plants have been important for the production of frankincense and medicine for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Roots and flowers have been prized for a variety of uses, from being transported on ancient trade routes to traditional healers and even philosophers who asserted their value. Historically, people have also eaten parts of the flowers as a snack. It’s a herb so it’s completely edible. However, Costus spectabilis is unique as an herb, it has a fruity flavor and is said to be delicious when eaten raw.

Perhaps of greatest cultural significance to the Nigerian people is the yellow trumpet, which is also depicted on the national emblem. Due to its wide distribution across the country, it may be the first recorded one. However, some experts say the plant is not well known among Nigerian gardeners and plant experts. In fact, yellow trumpets were once widespread, but were rare and endangered in the country.

Another interesting way Nigeria’s national flower has entered popular culture is Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding. Meghan Markle decided to incorporate flowers from all the representative countries of the Commonwealth of Nations into her veil. She added a yellow trumpet as a symbol of Nigeria.