Flowers in the Marshall Islands occupy a unique cultural position shaped by tropical climate, island ecology, and ceremonial use. In urban centers like Majuro and Ebeye, flowers such as hibiscus, frangipani, and pandanus are central to cultural celebrations, weddings, and local markets. In outer atolls, flowers are often wild or grown in small community gardens for personal use, traditional ceremonies, and local gifting customs. Participation in flower cultivation is influenced by access to soil, fresh water, and traditional knowledge, determining how flowers are integrated into daily life. Compared to other natural resources, flowers often function as symbolic adornment for ceremonies and social identity markers. Media and tourism exposure is limited but growing, highlighting the islands’ tropical flora. Seasonal availability, community practices, and climate challenges also shape how flowers are used. As a result, flowers in the Marshall Islands reflect broader patterns of island life, cultural expression, and environmental adaptation.
