The sacuanjoche, Nicaragua’s national flower
The sacuanjoche has been Nicaragua’s national flower since 1971. It is a native tree with white flowers and yellow centres, common in parks and gardens.
Legislative Decree 1890, published in La Gaceta No. 193 on 26 August 1971, declared the sacuanjoche (Plumeria rubra f. acutifolia) Nicaragua’s national flower. The same decree ordered it planted in parks, squares, pavements and along highways, and in every school on Tree Day.
A flora study by the National Agrarian University describes it as a native species, common in dry forests across the country, especially on rocky ground, from sea level to about 1,360 m, and also planted as an ornamental.
Sources: Decree 1890 of 1971, national flower; UNA, Posoltega flora study (2001).
Updated: 2026-11-13