The national flower sampaguita symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility and strength.
Declared as the national flower by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934, the sweet-smelling white flowers of sampaguita (the plant is a woody vine or shrub) has long been celebrated in song, stories and legends. Originally from India, they are often made into garlands and its essence made into perfumes. The tiny flowers display their purity in the evening when the flower buds begin to open at dusk.