National flower of Bolivia
The national flowers of Bolivia are the tricolor kantuta that can be seen in the high valleys of the Andean region; and the patujú flower from the Amazon region and the plains region. Both flowers are recognized in the 2009 constitution as symbols of the State.
The symbols of the State are the red, yellow and green tricolor flag; the Bolivian anthem; the coat of arms; the wiphala; the scarapela; the kantuta flower and the patuju flower.Article 6 (II) of the Political Constitution of the State of Bolivia of 2009
Description
The tricolor kantuta (Cantua buxifolia) is an Andean flower with a bell shape, which shows the colors red, yellow and green. It is also the National Flower of Peru, and was the sacred flower of the Incas.
The patujú flower (Heliconia rostrata), is native to the Amazon region and the plains region. Its inflorescence has long sprat-shaped petals tinged with bright stripes of red, yellow and green.
Symbolism
These flowers represent the Bolivian identity and as intertwined symbols they represent the union and interculturality of the regions of Bolivia.
Bolivia is made up of diverse regions with diverse cultures.
Of the different regions, the Pando department is not part of the Bolivian plains as established by the State Symbols Decree, because it is Amazonian in nature due to its geographical location, with an extractive and gathering forestry vocation, and the Flor de Patujú, generates that national feeling of a single country.[citation required]
History
In the government of Bautista Saavedra, by Supreme Decree of January 1, 1924, the flower called “khantuta tricolor” was consecrated as the national emblem. Later in the government of Luis Ossio Sanjinés, through Supreme Decree 22482 of April 27, 1990, they are recognized as the "national flower of Bolivia", with the name: "khantuta tricolor" and "patujú flag", as an intertwined symbol of the union of all the regions of Bolivia, to reinforce the brotherhood of peoples, strengthening integration and national unity.
In the government of Evo Morales, they are officially recognized as «symbols of the State» through the 2009 Constitution, with the name: “kantuta tricolor” and “la flor de patujú”. Its use is also regulated in Supreme Decree No. 241 of August 5, 2009.
Article 41°- (General use)
- The flowers of the Kantuta Tricolor and the Patuju Flower, individual or joint can be used in floral branches to be presented in civic acts, homages, commemorations, parades and other public and solemn events.
- The representation as Symbols of the Kantuta State and the Patuju flower, in graphic arts, fabrics, stationery and others can be represented in the following way: a branch of Kantuta with inclination to the right and crossed to it a Patuju flower sword with inclination to the left.
D. S. No. 241, 5 August 2009
Emblems with national flowers
Emblems of the Bolivian Army and Navy
The Army and Navy of Bolivia have both national flowers present in their emblems:
Patujú flower flag
The flag of the patujú flower appeared during the demonstrations against the construction of a road in Tipnis, between 2011 and 2012 the idea arose of representing the peoples of eastern Bolivia with the flower of patujú, and the flag was present in those demonstrations, however it did not have official representation in public events at the national level nor did it have a unique design.
On June 28, 2013, the Departmental Assembly of Santa Cruz approved a law that declares the patujú flower flag as a departmental symbol. The norm indicates that the symbol had to be waved at every official event held in the region.
I. The Patuju Flower Flag is established as an official departmental symbol.II. The “Pathu Flower Flag” will be represented by a Sword of the Patuju Flower on a white cloth, with inclination of forty-five (45) degrees left to right, as a symbol representing the inhabitants, cultures and wealth of the Department of
Santa Cruz.Article 5, Departmental Law 57
On November 14, 2019, it began to be used in official events of the Jeanine Áñez government, however, it is not an official flag or national symbol of Bolivia, as it is not legally recognized.