A surprising number of flowers are native to Mexico—many of which I was surprised to learn about when I first moved here. Some of the endemic flowers are like cactuses in that they’re iconically Mexican, while many others are deeply familiar to Japanese people as well. There are dahlias, which is the national flower of Mexico, cosmos (which symbolizes the coming of fall in Japan), scarlet sage, plumeria, and agave (which is used to make tequila). Marigolds, an important flower for honoring the dead, and poinsettias (the Christmas flower) are familiar as well.
Around the Day of the Dead, marigolds line the Paseo de la Reforma, which is the main street running through Mexico City. Later on, the poinsettias come out. The contrast between the fresh flowers and the greenery along the street is captivatingly beautiful. It’s a time of year when the area is packed with people taking pictures—both local Mexicans and tourists alike.
These are two of the native Mexican flowers you see around town that are particularly memorable.
Marigolds along the Paseo de la Reforma
The Mexicans call marigolds cempasuchil. It’s a flower that represents the sun. It seems to have two different meanings—the golden flower of Saint Mary, and the flower of the dead. It’s an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations in particular, when you’ll find it adorning homes, restaurants, shops, altars, and more. Legend also has it that the bright color and powerful fragrance are able to guide the souls of the departed to the afterlife.
Street corner on the Day of the Dead
As I write, there are only a few days left until Christmas—so it’s the time of year when poinsettias are at their peak. This is another flower that has a different name in Mexico: noche buena, or “holy night”. It’s perfect for Christmas.
Poinsettias along the Paseo de la Reforma
Poinsettias are said to have originated in Taxco, a town in Mexico famous for its silver. Franciscan monks in the 17th century thought of decorating the manger where Christ was laid with the flowers that symbolized purity to the people of India. Its common name comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a US Minister who was stationed in Mexico during the 19th century. Poinsett loved the flowers he saw when he visited Taxco and sent them to the US—and from there they were introduced to the rest of the world, bearing his name.
Poinsettias for sale at a supermarket
Poinsettias are tropical flowers, but during the time of King Nezahualcoyotl, they were selectively bred so that they could live in other climates for decorative purposes as well. Many types have been developed, including popular pink and white varieties.
Most people unthinkingly associate poinsettias with Christmas, but it was fascinating to discover more of the story behind them—including the reasons why we use certain flowers to decorate during certain times of year.
