Catholic Trivia:

Flowers in the Garden of Eden Although no one knows for certain what plants grew in the Garden of Eden, there are some intriguing legends about flowers and Eden.  One legend says that the only plant surviving from the Garden of Eden is the Lign Aloe.  Traditionally, Adam took one of these Paradise Shoots with him, and all Lign Aloes are descended from that one shoot.  According to another legend, the Rose did not have thorns in the Garden of Eden.  After Original Sin, the Rose remained to remind us of the splendor of paradise.  The Rose is also a classic symbol of the Blessed Virgin, the new eve, "the Rose without thorns."  Finally, it is said that the Lilies of the Valley sprung up wherever Eve's tears fell as she was banished from the Garden of Eden.  In another connection to Mary, these flowers are known in England and France as Our Lady's Tears.

Flowers on Calvary  Some flowers are associated with Calvary, such as the Passion Flower.  Others, including the Red Anemone, Purple Orchid, Arum, and the Spotted Persicaria are said t have gotten their red stains from blood falling from the crucified Christ.  The Calvary flower (Trefoil), is said to have sprung up in Pilate's footsteps as he walked to Calvary to see if the sign he had ordered hung up had actually been put on the cross.  This flower is said to bear resemblances to the crucifixion in two ways.  The center of each flower contains a spot that takes on the form of a cross in the daylight.  In addition, there is a little yellow flower on the plant that resembles a crown of thorns.

After the Resurrection  One of the more memorable scenes after Jesus' resurrection is when he encounters Mary Magdalene, and says to her "Do not touch me."  The Latin form of this phrase, "Noli me tangere," is also the name of a painting of that scene.  A flower that bears a similar title is the impatiens plant, also called the "Touch-me-not."  Thus, this plant reminds us of our new relationship we have with Christ.