Zhangzhou Narcissus

Zhangzhou Narcissus

Zhangzhou Narcissus is a geographical indication protected product.

Zhangzhou Narcissus is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Zhangzhou Narcissus is a famous specialty of Zhangzhou, hailed as the "Fairy of the Ripples." There are two varieties of "Yichun" narcissus from Zhangzhou: one is single-petaled, with six white petals cradling a yellow corona, resembling a small wine cup, called "Golden Cup"; the other is double-petaled, with ruffled petals like a pleated skirt, called "Hundred Leaves." The narcissus "originally grew in the Wudang Valley," and it was introduced to Zhangzhou around the mid-15th century during the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty. The most famous production area is the Cai Ban region at the foot of Yuanshan Mountain in the southwestern suburbs. The climate here is mild, the soil is fertile and loose, with morning sun and afternoon shade, and irrigation from the Yuanshan springs, making it extremely suitable for narcissus growth. Over 60 hectares of land in this area are used for narcissus cultivation. It is widely acknowledged that Zhangzhou's "Yichun" narcissus has five major characteristics: long flowering periods, and a fragrant, refreshing aroma, which is why it sells well both domestically and internationally. Narcissus exhibitions and sales have been held in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. On October 26, 1984, the 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 8th Zhangzhou Municipal People’s Congress passed a resolution to designate the narcissus as the city flower of Zhangzhou.

　　Zhangzhou Narcissus from Fujian has long been known as the "Fairy of the Ripples." It is one of China’s ten traditional famous flowers, renowned both domestically and internationally for its large bulbs, beautiful shape, abundant blooms, rich fragrance, and long flowering period. It is the provincial flower of Fujian, the city flower of Zhangzhou, and Zhangzhou is located between the two special economic zones of Xiamen and Shantou, facing Taiwan across the sea. The main production area is Yuanshan Pipa Slope in Longhai, Zhangzhou. The narcissus exhibits the characteristics of growing in autumn, blooming in winter, storing nutrients in spring, and going dormant in summer. However, in Zhangzhou, Fujian, there is a windbreak to the north and sparse woods to the west, with little snow and light frost, perennial mountain spring water, loose soil, deep soil layers, and good drainage. Even in winter, the narcissus fields remain warm and moist, creating an exceptionally favorable environment for cultivating narcissus. It is a fertile and prosperous land with mountains, seas, and plains.

　　Zhangzhou Narcissus, known as the "Fairy of the Ripples," mainly has two varieties: one is single-petaled. Its six white petals spread outward, with a golden-yellow wine-cup-shaped corona in the center, named "Golden Cup and Silver Terrace," commonly called "Wine Cup Narcissus," and it has a rich fragrance; the other is double-petaled. Its ruffled petals are layered, white at the top and pale yellow at the bottom, elegantly nicknamed "Jade Exquisite," commonly called "Hundred Leaves Narcissus." Both types of narcissus are a source of pride for Zhangzhou. "Of all the world’s famous flowers, only this exists; among human scents, none compare elsewhere" is a true depiction of it. At the same time, it has been metaphorically referred to as the "flower of national fragrance" by many ancient poets. Narcissus has been cultivated in Zhangzhou for over 500 years. As early as the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty (1450 AD), Zhangzhou had a history of narcissus cultivation. Today, it is not only one of China’s ten traditional famous flowers but also the provincial flower of Fujian and the city flower of Zhangzhou. Due to its large bulbs, numerous flower stems, beautiful shape, rich fragrance, timely blooming, long flowering period, and elegant beauty, it can also be carved into various exquisite shapes. It is recognized worldwide as the type of narcissus with the most blooms and the best fragrance, far surpassing narcissus from the Mediterranean, Japan, and other domestic regions such as Pingtan, Chongming, and Taiwan. Hence, it enjoys the reputation of "The Best Narcissus Under Heaven Comes from Zhangzhou," making it a renowned and globally celebrated specialty. Why can Zhangzhou Narcissus "dominate the floral world and enjoy widespread fame"? This is mainly due to the unique geographical location, soil, and climatic conditions of Jiuhu, the production area of Zhangzhou Narcissus.

　　　　Zhangzhou, Fujian, was established during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty and has a history of over 1,300 years. It is a historic and cultural city with profound heritage. Jiuhu Town in Zhangzhou is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Narcissus." In 2007, Zhangzhou Narcissus accounted for 90% of the national market sales.