Chaconia ‘flower power’

“When emblems were chosen for the new nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Warszewiczia coccinea, known locally, among other names, as “Wild Poinsettia’ and ‘Chaconier’ was named the national flower for as an indigenous flower it has been witness to our entire history. It can therefore be said to represent the imperishability of life and the continuity of our Nation.”

The image on the 25 cent coin is that of the single wild type, an indication that this is the flower the selection committee had in mind when the choice was made. The argument has been advanced that since we share the wild type in common with other countries, the ‘David Auyong’ cultivar – a double – named in honour of this gentleman, which is specific to Trinidad, should be considered to be designated as the national flower.

In 1957 travelling along the Arima Valley en route to Blanchisseuse, with Mrs Grace Mulloon and one other person, spotting a spectacularly flowering tree, Auyong scrambled down a steep slope to procure a cutting which was not successfully propagated at first.

Then in February 1961, one of the plants was sent to Kew (United Kingdom), where it was recognised as a mutant form of Warszewiczia coccinea – a double. There are no doubts that some would argue that the cultivar –discovered in 1957 – was not around to “witness to our entire history.”

However, the Emeritus Professor felt strongly that the Double Chaconia should be recognised as the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago as “The plant is truly Trini - having originated here – and is more deserving of being the National flower than the single (wild type) form.” And on September 06, 2003, put forward his suggestion, in writing, to the Trinidad and Tobago National Emblems Committee, which took due note of his comments to the effect that the Double Chaconia be deemed the National flower of Trinidad and Tobago, at its meeting of October 21, 2003.

And in a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, dated October 30, 2003, which Professor Duncan has shared with Newsday, advised him that in regard to his suggestion “the committee has asked me to let you know that legislative and administrative action is being perused along these lines. I propose to keep you advised on developments.”

In an email last Tuesday, August 26, 2014, the Emeritus Professor wrote: “The above is the letter, minus crest and signature of person who signed on behalf of the PS, complete with perused. I am, 11 years later, still waiting to be advised.” Meanwhile the nation continues to acknowledge the wild type single Chaconia as its National Flower.