Flowers are so often taken for granted. We see them on the street, growing in gardens, blooming from cracks in the ground, used in shops as decoration or for sale from our favourite florist. But all over the world, in the strangest of places, grow flowers that have rarely been seen by most people.

#1 Youtan Poluo

The Youtan Poluo flower has tiny white blooms that measure a width of just 1mm and were found by a Chinese farmer - Mr. Ding. He claims to have found this rare flower growing in his steel pipes. At Chonggye-sa Temple in Seoul the flower blossomed on the Buddha statue’s forehead – yet another strange place where this incredible flower was growing.

Youtan Poluo is a legendary flower believed to exist in Buddhist scriptures and Indian myth. Youtan Poluo is translated in Sanskrit as "Udumbara" or "Udambara". According to botanical experts, the flower only blooms once every 3000 years.

#2 Nepenthes Tenax

Coming from the species of tropical flesh-eating pitcher plant, the Nepenthes Tenax has been seen growing in Northern Queensland. The Nepenthes Tenax can grow up to 100cm tall and has vines stretching 25 cm above the ground. The plant can be found in northern Cape York. Botanical archaeologists have seen this flower consume mice, small rats, lizards and even birds.

#3 Kadupul Flower

The stunning flower known as Kadupul is thought by followers of Buddhism, to be an offering for Buddha after they bloom. According to those who have witnessed the Kadupul flower bloom, they say it gives off an odd scent. Extraordinarily, these flowers wither and die during the break of dawn. The Kadupul flower is native to Sri Lanka but the blooming of the flowers has hardly ever been spotted, even by the locals.

#4 Silversword or Ahinahina

The Ahinahina only grows in the alpine areas of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala, Hawaii. The tough skin of the plant is capable of enduring the most extreme of conditions – the freezing cold wind and rain and the searing heat of the sun. According to the authorities of Haleakala National Park, Silverswords have been scarce because of extensive vandalism.

#5 Drosera capensis

Also known as the Cape sundew, Drosera capensis is indigenous to the cape of South Africa. Cape sundew has strap-like and brilliantly coloured tentacles that can grow up to 15cm long and 1cm wide. These tentacles produce a sticky liquid which traps insects and other small prey.

It truly is hard to believe that any flower can grow in metals or can swallow small birds, but this is what makes them the world’s rarest flowers. If ever you come across these amazing blooms take in their beauty, look at them up close and be sure to take a photo – the opportunity probably won’t come up again!