The Bunch of 2013
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BUTTERCUP is a somewhat toxic plant that is common in fields and roadsides. In Celtic mythology the buttercup symbolises the power of words.
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ROSE is a woody perennial with prickled stems and large, colourful flowers. Red roses are known to symbolise martyrdom, love and beauty. In Europe they sometimes symbolise socialism and trade-unionism.
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GERBERA is a genus of ornamental plants from the sunflower family. The capitulum, which has the appearance of a single flower, is actually composed of hundreds of individual flowers. In Victorian times the Gerbera symbolised friendship, love, abundance and play. Its contemporary interpretation is defined, in the same way as roses, by the colour of its flower. This specimen in peach may not be interpretable in any singular way.
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HIBISCUS is a flowering plant that is native to (sub-)tropical regions. The red hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian women as a way to repel negativity. The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibres that are used for making grass skirts and wigs. In Europe, its flowers symbolize glamour, but its random growth symbolizes chaos.
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CACTUS is a member of the plant family Caryophyllales. Its name derives from the Greek word for any spiny plant whose identity is not certain. Because of its ability to store water, the cactus most often symbolizes a hidden treasure as well as endurance and the ability to adapt to situations and environments.
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REED is a type of tall, grass-like plant found in swamps and river sides, that is infamously difficult to collect from its natural habitat. Reed was a holy plant to the Celts. With their flutes of reed they played music to induce visions of heroism and worlds of fantasy.
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CLOVER is a genus of about 300 species with an unusually cosmopolitan and diverse distribution. A common idiom is “to be in clover”, meaning to live a carefree life of ease, comfort, or prosperity. Four-leafed clovers represent luck.
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LATHYRUS flowers are brightly coloured and unusually fragrant. Medieval gardeners believed that the perfume of the Lathyrus was god’s breath on earth and therefore an instant mood improver. A persistent and long-drawn bad mood may be cured by this flower.
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WILD GARLIC is a species in the onion genus Allium. With a history of human use of over 7000 years it has come to represent protection of the home from negative intentions and dangerous creatures such as witches. Because of its sharp smell and taste it is also seen as a symbol of strength and personal courage.
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STRAWBERRY is a hybrid species that is cultivated worldwide for its fruit. In 14th-century France it was known to symbolize righteousness and good works and used in love spells. Later symbolisms include love, temptation, passion, and rewarded effort.
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UNKNOWN FLOWER found in the Parc National des Cévennes.
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DAISY is an early spring flower found in lawns. It is sometimes considered a weed. In England, the daisy is symbolic of innocence, purity and creativity.
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NASTURTIUM, literally “nose tweaker”, received its common name because it produces a smelly but delicious oil. In Western culture, the flower of the nasturtium symbolises victory in battle and conquest.
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