It has been claimed that early emblems consisted of a bauhinia or clove image, but there is no firm evidence supporting this claim. NTHU in Hsinchu is often symbolized by a plum blossom in memory of the great leader of Tsing Hua on both sides of the Taiwan Strait Mei Yi-Chi and his great contributions to the University and Nation. The University Council adopted the plum blossom as the official flower of NTHU in Hsinchu in 2011.