Flowers in Kiribati occupy a unique cultural position shaped by island geography, traditional ceremonies, and local subsistence practices. In urban centers like South Tarawa, flowers such as hibiscus, frangipani, and pandanus are used for cultural events, weddings, and personal adornment, while in outer islands, flowers are often gathered from the wild or home gardens for local rituals and daily decoration. Participation in flower cultivation is influenced by access to soil, fresh water, and small-scale horticulture knowledge, which shapes which flowers are grown and how they are used. Compared to other natural resources, flowers serve as both a symbol of beauty and an integral part of social life. Media coverage is minimal, but community events and inter-island festivals help reinforce their significance. Generational knowledge, gender roles, and ecological factors also affect how flowers are valued and utilized. As a result, flowers in Kiribati reflect the nation’s traditions, environmental context, and social identity.
