Daffodil Flower- The Indian Nargis

Daffodil Flower- The Indian Nargis

In 1804, William Wordsworth changed the world’s perception of Daffodils with his literary work ‘Daffodil’, his most-read poem ever.

Daffodil refers to all the plant species falling under the Narcissus genus. One recognizes or imagines a Daffodil as a trumpet-shaped spring flower that blooms in different colors like yellow, orange, white, and red.

Knowing interesting facts about Daffodil

1. The story behind their name:

Daffodil is the common name for Narcissus. As per a Greek myth, a handsome young man named Narcissus once existed. God gifted him beauty with one condition that he would never look at his reflection. However, God turned him into a Daffodil when he looked at his reflection in a shimmering lake.

2. Plant description:

 Depending on the variety, a Daffodil plant can be 6 to 20 inches tall. They have leafless stems with 1-20 flowers on top of it. They are native to North Africa, southern Europe, and Western Mediterranean.

3. National Flower:

This National flower of Wales is believed to bring prosperity and wealth to a person who spots the first Daffodil of spring in Wales.

4. Couples gift ten daffodils

It is a March flower, and many couples gift ten daffodils to their partners on their 10th wedding anniversary to show love, joy, and luck.

5. Roman Origin

Daffodils were first cultivated in ancient Rome in around 200 or 300 BC due to ornamental values.

6. What Daffodil symbolizes?

In the Victorian era, Daffodils symbolized chivalry; however, today, they represent hope.

7. Bouquet of Daffodils for Luck:

They are considered lucky when a bouquet of Daffodils is presented to a person as it brings good luck. However, offering a single Daffodil is considered unlucky and brings bad luck and sorrow.

8. Daffodil is Toxic:

They are toxic, and one must keep them away from other plants, kids, and animals.

9. Hybridized plant species:

They are one of this planet’s most hybridized plant species, with 25 different species and over 13,000 hybrids.

10. Long history of medicinal applications:

They have a long history of medicinal applications. They are used as a disinfectant, healing warts, scabs, or sores, and have the potential to treat Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.

Daffodils are also grown in India but in high-altitude areas, especially in Kashmir. But here in India, the name is different for the Daffodil and is called Nargis. I am yet to introduce this flower in my garden due to a lack of ample space. Well, planning to create a terrace garden at my place, and Daffodil will definitely bloom over there. Online reputed nursery stores are selling bulbs of Daffodils, so you can try them out if you are willing to see this beautiful flower in the garden. Any more interesting facts in your kitty about Daffodils? Do forget to share your knowledge with me.

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