The week-long exhibition opened on April 26 in the central city after an earlier one in Hanoi in January when an overwhelming 80% of visitors voted for the lotus.

The latest one, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has three sections, one each on the lotus, other flowers, and bamboo.

The lotus section features the flower, both natural and made of paper and silk, and themes highlighting its importance in Vietnamese culture, ancestor worship, oriental and Vietnamese Buddhism, traditional and contemporary arts, and cuisine.

Photos of the lotus, craftworks made from the flower, and ao dai's (women's traditional robes) decorated with lotuses by designer Lan Huong are also on show.

The "Flowers from All Parts of the Country" section features the north-west's plum blossoms, the ochna from the south, orchids from the Central Highlands, and peach blossoms from the north.

The final section features craftworks, tools, and architecture made of bamboo, a common tree in Vietnam.

The organisers will distribute the poll ballots to 3,000 visitors and 12,000 city residents. The poll can also be taken on www.cinet.vn and www.quochoavietnam.com.

To qualify the flower must be indigenous to the country, found in most provinces, reflect the culture, ethos, and spirit of the Vietnamese people, have a beautiful shape, colour, fragrance, and possess commercial value.

Besides, it should be commonly found, related to important cultural events, mentioned in literary and artistic works, and celebrated by most people.

A third such exhibition will be held in HCM City in June. In the polls so far, the lotus is followed by the ochna and rice flower.