Bill could change Guam's national flower
by Krystal Paco
Guam - Guam's national flower is the Bougainvillea better known on island as the "Puti Tai Nobio". However recent legislation could change all that. Bill 351 introduced by Speaker Judi Won Pat would instead change the flower to the Gaosali or in English "The Torchwood Plant". The Gaosali is characterized by oblong green leaves and long tubular square white flowers now found growing on the rugged limestone cliffs near the ocean due to development. The Gaosali plant was used as a wick for lighting and as a torch light by our Chamorro ancestors. Bill 351 states the Bougainvillea is not only the official flower of Guam but other counties in Taiwan, Malaysia, cities in the Philippines, areas of California and cities in China. The Gaosali, according to the bill, "Will serve to represent the unique and rich heritage and culture of Guam." You can read Bill 351 on the Legislature's website.
