Which flower is the national flower of Portugal?

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

It features the westernmost point in continental Europe, and its Iberian portion is bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain, the sole country to have a land border with Portugal. Its two archipelagos form two autonomous regions with their own regional governments. Lisbon is the capital and largest city by population.

The national flower of Portugal is Lavender, and is part of the extended mint family of plants. Lavender is a popular cooking ingredient and its potent oils can be found in many balms, salves and perfumes. Not many countries offer such a variety of scenery as Portugal does, and its flora and fauna are equally diverse.

Visitors to the country between May and August are likely to encounter huge fields of lavender. The name derives from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash". Lavender is known for its soporific effects and many people sleep with a sprig of it in a bag under their pillow.

It belongs to the "Lamiaceae" family, which has a bushy appearance with woody, square, and very hairy stems. Its flowers are borne at the apex of the branches in the form of spikes. They are purple in color and are borne in a close spiral. Each bloom measures between 2″ and 4″.