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Cantuta (Cantua buxifolia)
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On the map in 2 countries shrub symbol: Bolivia, Peru

Cantuta

Cantua buxifolia

Family: Polemoniaceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Bolivia, Peru.

The kantuta is an evergreen shrub growing to 2–4 m, with small, box-like leaves and hanging, tubular flowers several centimetres long. The flowers are purple, pink or red, and in some forms red with a yellow tube and a green calyx. They are pollinated by hummingbirds. It grows in dry, warm Andean valleys and on slopes at about 1,200–3,800 m, as well as in gardens. It was the sacred flower of the Incas and other Andean peoples, used in rituals and to decorate ceremonial sites.

Description from: Bolivia.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

  1. Bolivia no. 1 of 10 native

    National flower of Bolivia, listed in the constitution among the symbols of the state

    The kantuta was declared the national flower in 1924, and the “tricolor” form in red, yellow and green echoes the flag of Bolivia; since 2009 it has been one of the state symbols listed in the constitution.

  2. Peru no. 2 of 15 native

    National flower of Peru

    The cantuta is a symbol of Peru’s Inca heritage – it is recognised as the national flower and is an ever-present motif in the costumes, textiles and festivals of the Cuzco region.