The National Flower of the UAE

Tribulus Omanense – The National Flower of the UAE

When you think of the UAE and other Arab countries, what is the first thing that springs to mind? Let me take an educated guess and say you’ve thought about the vast sandy deserts. What if I said that this desert hides a secret? Yes, you heard me right. A secret indeed. That secret is the UAE national flower, The Tribulus Omanense. Here are some interesting facts that you might have not known about this yellow beauty that grows in the desert!

Also known as the flower of the desert, Tribulus Omanense is not just seen in Arab countries but can also be spotted in Asia, Europe, and Africa. This plant can even survive cold as well as hot climates, making it an exceptionally skilled survivor.

Why  Tribulus Omanense is called UAE’s national flower.

Tribulus Omanense has been admired for centuries not just for its looks but also for its herbal and dietary powers. It is widely believed that both the root and the fruit of this plant can be used to effectively treat many illnesses and medical conditions. Just like cholesterol, sore throat, urinary tract infection, blood sugar level, and change in hormone levels, and even prevent cancer. It is stated that consuming a large dose of this flower’s supplement can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Both China and India have documented the use of Tribulus Omanense in their traditional treatment methods like Ayurveda.

Tribulus Omanense is known by many names nationally and internationally. They are known as Gokshura in India, and Puncture vine in America and have also earned many other names. A few of them like Goat’s Head, Baijili, Dubbeltjie, Qutiba, Espigón, and Caltrop.

The name puncture weed or puncture vine has been given to this plant because of its hard thrones which are sometimes even responsible for causing a flat tire. This is also the reason why Tribulus Omanense has been classified as a ‘cut plant’.

Interestingly enough the Tribulus Omanense is also the national flower of Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE. Tribulus Omanense faced and overcame incredible odds to become the UAE national flower as it was only one among the many contenders in the race to win the title of UAE national flower.

It is believed that Tribulus Omanense was chosen as the national flower of the UAE due to its immense medicinal properties as well as color and symbolism. Whatever the reason is, it is very evident that the flower will be loved and cherished by all the citizens from the seven emirates that make up the UAE.

Sentimental Facts

Tribulus Omanense is often used as a gift for congratulating someone or commemorating UAE National Day. The yellow flower has five petals and the plant is green and thorny. Yellow is often considered globally as the color of friendship and holds great importance here. The United Arab Emirates consists of seven independent city-states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. The yellow flower was selected by the UAE to represent the bond and unity of these seven emirates.

 

admin

Author is owner of a leading flower shop in Dubai with online order facility. He has 10 years experience of managing this service and writing on it. Information on products and services is given on occasional blog posts.

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