Ramonda nathaliae or Natalie's ramonda (Serbian: Наталијина рамонда / Natalijina ramonda; Macedonian: Наталиева рамонда, romanized: Natalieva ramonda) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ramonda. The plant was discovered in 1884 near the city of Niš by botanists Sava Petrović and Josif Pančić, who named it after Queen Natalie of Serbia (1882–1889).[2]
| Ramonda nathaliae | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Ramonda |
| Species: | R. nathaliae |
| Binomial name | |
| Ramonda nathaliae | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Natalie's ramonda possesses a remarkable ability to revive even when fully dehydrated and demonstrates adaptability to harsh environments. As a result, the flower represents one of the national symbols of Serbia, reflecting the resiliance of the Serbian struggle in World War I and symbolizing the rebirth and revival of the country.
Description
This plant's natural habitat is found in Serbia, North Macedonia and Greece (Kilkis region). It is small and very adaptable to harsh environments. Growing up to 10 cm in height, it cleverly angles itself on rocks, allowing rainwater to cascade off its leaves. Enduring temperatures down to −15 °C, it graces us with clusters of flat, lilac-blue flowers in late spring, surrounded by evergreen leaves. It is a poikilohydryc plant.[3][4][5]
Notably, in the UK, it has earned the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6][7]
World War I remembrance symbol
The flower is considered a symbol of Serbia's campaign and victory in World War I, with country suffering the largest casualty rate relative to its population.[8] To commemorate Serbian soldiers who died in war, as well as the resurrection of the country after the devastating war, people wear artificial Natalie's ramonda as a symbol of remembrance.[9] This tradition is observed in the week leading up to Armistice Day and is similar to the wearing of the remembrance poppy amongst the Commonwealth countries.
The idea originated from Marko Đurić, the then-adviser to President Tomislav Nikolić, in 2012. The badge worn on the Armistice Day combines the ramonda and the green-and-black Albanian Commemorative Medal ribbon. The idea was put into practice in 2013, a year after the Armistice Day became a public holiday in Serbia.[10]
See also
References
External links
