Bikkia palauensis

National flower of the Republic of Palau

Bikkia palauensis (Scientific name: Bikkia palauensis), also called Rur or Palau gardenia, is a shrub in the family Rubiaceae (gardenia) endemic to Bikkiau in western Micronesia. It is found only in Palau. It is the national flower of the Republic of Palau. It hangs just above the water's surface on steep rocky slopes on coral reef limestone. It flowers year-round. The leaves are clustered at the ends of the twigs and are 1-2 cm long with petioles that are 8-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, elliptic to obovate, and somewhat thick-walled and smooth. The corolla is funnel-shaped, 10-15 cm long, and the tip of the tube is 2-4 cm long with four deeply lobed, fragrant white flowers. It is an adornment for women, and when worn on the left ear, it means "no lover".

Common name: Bikkia palauensis, scientific name: Bikkia palauensis, Aka: Rur, flowering season: annual, petiole length: 1-2 cm, leaf shape: elliptic to strap-shaped, leaf length: 8-12 cm, leaf width: 3-5 cm, leaf texture: rather thick and smooth, corolla shape: funnel-shaped, flower color: white tube: 10-15 cm long and 2-4 cm long with 4 deep lobes; number of stamens: 4; fruit color: brown; fruit shape: cylindrical; fruit shape: capsule; number of seeds: numerous; special note: national flower of Republic of Palau; uses: female earrings.

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