最能代表中国的10种花：你对它们了解多少（组图）

Sweet-scented osmanthus 桂花

In her poem, Li Qingzhao from the Song Dynasty, described osmanthus as "light yellow, with a delicate figure, that only leaves fragrance behind; No need for bright greens and reds, the osmanthus is a flower destined to shine."

Planting sweet-scented osmanthus in China has a history of more than 2,500 years. Often blooming in August, the plant is also connected with Mid-Autumn Festival due to the fairy tale about a man named Wu Gang. Wu is ordered to cut down a large and strong osmanthus tree on the moon every day, yet the charmed tree never falls and has fragrant flowers each autumn. Wu is only allowed to have a rest for Mid-Autumn Festival.

The little yellow flowers are often added to porridge, cakes and tea to enhance the taste. In Guangxi province where many osmanthus trees are planted, the perfume produced by the flowers has become an important local specialty.

宋代女词人李清照曾在诗中这样描写桂花：“暗淡轻黄体性柔。情疏迹远只香留。何须浅碧深红色，自是花中第一流。”

桂花在中国有2500多年的栽培历史。桂花通常在八月盛开，还有一个和中秋节相关的典故：传说吴刚因遭天帝惩罚到月宫砍伐桂树，其树随砍随合，以这种永无休止的劳动作为对吴刚的惩罚，只有在中秋节这一天吴刚才能休息。

这种香气扑鼻的小黄花可加入粥、糕点和茶中提升口感。

点击这里听《江南桂花香》