The 22nd of November is celebrated in our country the Day of the Argentine National Flower, in homage to the ceibo, a national symbol officially consecrated together with the Flag, the Coat of Arms and the National Anthem.

The ceibo was declared Argentine National Flower by Decree Nº 13.847 of 22 December 1942, during the presidency of Ramón Castillo. In 1941, the National Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, appointed a commission to study and propose a flower that had the greatest merits to be proclaimed national flower.

In addition to blooming between the months of October and April, the ceibo - an expression of Argentinean identity and emblem of our homeland - is associated with the Guaraní legend of Anahí, a young aboriginal girl whose resistance was immortalised when she was transformed into a tree with fiery flowers. The ceibo thus became an emblem of strength and hope.

This flower, also known as seibo, síbo or bucaré, is a tree native to Latin America, especially Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, where it is also declared the national flower. It grows on the banks of the Paraná and the Río de la Plata, but can also be found in areas near rivers, lakes and swampy areas.

Its generic name is Erythrina , of Greek origin (from erythros, meaning red). Its specific name is crista-galli, which in Latin refers to the cock's crest, also because of its resemblance to the colour of the flowers. Its height ranges from 6 to 10 metres. It has a tortuous and underdeveloped shaft, its bark is greyish-brown, very thick and rough, with deep furrows.

The ceibo is more than a flower: it is a link between nature and culture, a reminder of the stories that are part of Argentina's identity and an invitation to protect the natural environment for future generations.