Although they are undeniably beautiful, flowers sometimes trigger debate.

In China, this has centered for decades around the fact that the country does not have a national flower, despite having plenty to choose from among traditional art and culture, including peonies, orchids, chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, lotuses, jasmines and narcissus.

More than 100 countries have a national flower, but China, a nation with a rich floral heritage and culture, does not.

Two candidates have emerged as leading contenders - the peony and plum blossom.

Both originated in China and are popular with the public. In Chinese literature and tradition, the peony represents wealth, prosperity and prestige, while plum blossom symbolizes integrity, persistence and the endurance of hardship.

It is widely believed that the peony is favored by the general population, with its large blooms and variety of colors, while plum blossom, which has considerably smaller flowers, is often preferred by intellectuals for its symbolic meanings.

Those championing the peony, who mostly come from northern areas of the country where it grows, said the flower should represent China, as its association with wealth and prestige is in line with the nation being prosperous and booming.

They consider that plum blossom is too small, compared with the peony, to represent the nation.