The Flor de Maga (Thespesia grandiflora) is Puerto Rico’s official national flower, chosen in 2019 as a symbol of the island’s cultural identity and resilience. These distinctive deep pink or red cup-shaped blossoms grow on trees up to 65 feet tall and feature a prominent yellow-dotted pistil with an intoxicating floral scent. Unlike the hibiscus it’s often confused with, the Flor de Maga has glossy heart-shaped leaves and grows only in Puerto Rico, making it endemic to the island.
How to Identify Flor de Maga (Thespesia Grandiflora)
While many people confuse this flower with a hibiscus, it sets itself apart with several distinguishing characteristics. Flor de Maga grows on trees that can reach up to 65 feet high and boast a 20-inch diameter. Glossy heart-shaped leaves that stay green year-round set the backdrop for eye-catching deep pink or red flowers. The cup-shaped blossoms feature five overlapping petals and a prominent yellow-dotted pistil. Flor de Maga also produces an intoxicating floral scent unlike any other.
Conversely, the hibiscus comes in numerous colors and grows on a shrub or bush. Its foliage is ovate, and many species have no aroma.
Where to Find Flor de Maga
The Flor de Maga, a vibrant deep pink or red bloom that grows exclusively on the island and was officially designated as the national symbol in 2019. Often confused with the hibiscus, the Flor de Maga is distinguished by its cup-shaped flowers with five overlapping petals, glossy heart-shaped evergreen leaves, and a distinctive intoxicating floral scent. You can experience the Flor de Maga’s beauty at the University of Puerto Rico Botanical Gardens in San Juan, the William Miranda Marín Botanical Garden in Caguas, and throughout the island’s high-moisture areas.
Flor de Maga Symbolism in Puerto Rico’s Culture
Flor de Maga is integral to the cultural identity of our Commonwealth and its people. While various flores de Puerto Rico have inspired art, poetry, and music for generations, none embodies our national character quite like the Flor de Maga. Our beautiful island has historically gone through many intense weather events, specifically hurricanes. These trees have rebounded and let their beauty shine after each trying event. As a result, Flor de Maga is a symbol of our bravery and resilience during challenging times.
Add a Stunning Reminder of Puerto Rico to Your Jewelry Box
Coquí el Original®, a proud member of the N. Barquet Jewelers family, has a Flor de Maga jewelry collection to demonstrate pride in your heritage or recall a magical visit. We exquisitely handcraft our pieces drawing from four generations of gemstone and jewelry-making expertise. Our luxury designs showcase the flower in gorgeous sterling silver or 14k gold, each adorned with a dramatic cluster of diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Shop our artisan Flor de Maga jewelry online today to treat yourself or someone special.
Daniela Barquet is the 4th generation owner of her family's jewelry store located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico since 1965. The business tradition was started by her great-grandfather, Issac Barquet, in 1920. Daniela graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in the History of Art and Architecture and a Minor in Italian Studies. Daniela continues to grow under the mentorship of her father, Natalio Barquet Perez, who is a renowned, certified jeweler in Puerto Rico.
- Daniela Barquethttps://coquieloriginal.com/author/nataliobarquetgmail-com/
- Daniela Barquethttps://coquieloriginal.com/author/nataliobarquetgmail-com/
- Daniela Barquethttps://coquieloriginal.com/author/nataliobarquetgmail-com/
- Daniela Barquethttps://coquieloriginal.com/author/nataliobarquetgmail-com/
