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The Florida State Flower is the Orange Blossom. The Orange Blossom became the official Florida State Flower on May 15th, 1909. It is also known to be one of the most fragrant flowers found in Florida. Orange Blossoms can be found throughout central and southern Florida, filling the air with it's strong perfume.
The Orange Blossom's fragrant blossoms have five waxy and white petals. The Orange Blossom is an evergreen tree that grows to the height of 20 to 30 feet tall. The Florida State Flower will be found by the millions blooming in the spring and bearing fruit in the fall or winter.
The fruit of the Florida State Flower is the sweet orange but better known as the navel orange. This sweet orange was originally from India, southern China, and Vietnam. It is now cultivated in many tropical areas such as Brazil. Citrus production is currently found in California, Texas, and Arizona. Oranges will grow in full sun which gives the best results.
Many homeowners will grow this orange tree in their own yard. Orange trees make beautiful landscaping with its glossy foliage and fragrant blossoms. Fruit can stay edible for several months on the tree. Honeybees enjoy this Florida State Flower. The honey made from these bees will have a mild taste.
Caterpillars that will eventually metamorphosise into giant swallowtail butterflies, depend solely on citrus plants for food. This caterpillar, also known as the orange dog is a 2 inch long brown and white caterpillar with orange, extending, antler type horns. The Florida State Flower may draw you close by it's lovely smell, but this caterpillar will make you back away if you get a whiff of his horns.
The orange has many health benefits. Vitamin C can be found in oranges but to get the most of this vitamin you will need to eat the white layer just beneath the skin. Oranges are also known to lower cholesterol. Planting the Florida State Flower in yard just may be good for your health!
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