The city of Wamena in the Papua Highlands harbours a stunning natural wonder, namely a flower with a plastic-like trait. This flower is known as the ice flower or Papua edelweiss, which blooms and thrives at the heights of the Jayawijaya mountains.
Its unique beauty often makes anyone who sees it wonder about the authenticity of the flower. The petals feel stiff and shiny, resembling synthetic material made by humans.
Although it bears a resemblance to plastic, this flower is a purely natural creation that is both astonishing and rarely found. Its unique texture makes it different from other types of flowers around the world.
This natural phenomenon attracts the attention of many botanical researchers and curious tourists. They come to Wamena to witness firsthand the wonders of the little-known flora of the Papuan mountains.
According to a report from the PapuaFlora.org portal, this flower is an indicator of a healthy mountain ecosystem. “Its presence indicates the extraordinary biodiversity wealth of Papua,” the report stated.
The local community has traditionally believed that this flower holds spiritual significance and magical power. They preserve its habitat as a form of respect for their surrounding nature.
The everlasting flower of Wamena is a hidden gem that adds to the long list of Indonesia’s natural wealth. Its beauty has become a new attraction for the tourism sector, as well as environmental research in Papua.
https://www.rri.co.id/wisata/1586211/bunga-edelweis-papua-mekar-indah-bagaikan-plastik
West Papua Now 