FLOWERS

Orchid

The Orchidaceae are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants, with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant, commonly known as the orchid family. Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowering plants. The Orchidaceae have about 28,000 currently accepted species, distributed in about 763 genera.[2][3] The determination of which family is larger is still under debate, because verified data on the members of such enormous families are continually in flux. Regardless, the number of orchid species is nearly equal to the number of bony fishes, more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species. The family encompasses about 6-11% of all seed plants.[4] The largest genera are Bulbophyllum(2,000 species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species) and Pleurothallis (1,000 species). It also includes Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), the type genus Orchis, and many commonly cultivated plants such as Phalaenopsisand Cattleya. Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species into cultivation in the 19th century, horticulturists have produced more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars. The type genus (i.e. the genus after which the family is named) is Orchis. The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις (órkhis), literally meaning "testicle", because of the shape of the twin tubers in some species of Orchis.[19][20] The term "orchid" was introduced in 1845 by John Lindley in School Botany,[21] as a shortened form of Orchidaceae.[22] In Middle English, the name bollockwort was used for some orchids, based on "bollock" meaning testicle and "wort" meaning plant. Orchids have many associations with symbolic values. For example, the orchid is the City Flower of Shaoxing, China. Cattleya mossiae is the national Venezuelan flower, while Cattleya trianae is the national flower of Colombia. Vanda 'Miss Joaquim' is the national flower of Singapore, Guarianthe skinneriis the national flower of Costa Rica and Rhyncholaelia digbyana is the national flower of Honduras.[29] Prosthechea cochleata is the national flower of Belize, where it is known as the black orchid.[30] Lycaste skinneri has a white variety (alba) that is the national flower of Guatemala, commonly known as Monja Blanca (White Nun). Panama's national flower is the Holy Ghost orchid (Peristeria elata), or 'the flor del Espiritu Santo'. Rhynchostylisretusa is the state flower of the Indian state of Assam where it is known as Kopou Phul. The name orchid is derived from the Greek word "orkhis". This exotic flower was named by an ancient Greek botanist named Theophrastos who thought that the fleshy underground tubers resembled the male anatomy. There are many types of orchids, with over 20,000 species in the world. One of the most popular orchids is the moth orchid, which got its name from the fact that their flowers were first mistaken as moths when they were first discovered by Swedish naturalist, Peter Osbeck. Due to their namesake, orchids are associated with fertility, virility, and sexuality. These associations, coupled with their exotic appearance, have given them a long history of being associated with love, fertility and elegance throughout various cultures and time periods. One of the major orchid genera is Paphiopedilum. The name is derived from the word "Paphos" which is the name of the temple where the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was worshiped. In Ancient Greece, it was believed that parents could choose the sex of their child by eating the orchid's tubers. If the father ate thick, fleshier tubers, the child would turn out to be a male. If the mother ate smaller, thinner tubers, the child would turn out to be a female. Aztecs commonly mixed vanilla, a type of orchid, with chocolate to create an elixir that brought on power and strength. During the Victorian age, orchids were only found in the tropics and were extremely rare. Therefore, Victorians would collect exotic orchids as a sign of luxury and refined taste. When given as a gift, the more rare the orchid, the deeper your love and passion was for the receiver. In China, orchids are regarded as emblems of integrity, elegance and friendship. Although orchids have a reputation for being symbols of fertility and elegance, different colored orchids have a diverse range of symbolisms. White orchids symbolize innocence and purity, as well as elegance and reverence. Pink orchids symbolize femininity, grace, and joy. Yellow orchids symbolize friendship and new beginnings. They make great gifts for a friend to celebrate an accomplishment. Purple orchids symbolize royalty and admiration, and are traditionally given as a sign of respect. Orange orchids symbolize pride, enthusiasm, and boldness. luxury: "I shall make your life a sweet one"

Leek lily

Bulbine semibarbata, commonly known as leek lily, native leek or wild onion, is a species of annual herb native to Australia It grows as an annual herb from 7 to 45 centimetres high, with yellow flowers. It was first published by Robert Brown in his 1810 Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae, under the name Anthericum semibarbatum. Eleven years later, Adrian Hardy Haworth transferred it into Bulbine.

Dalia

Dahlia is a genus of bushy, tuberous, herbaceous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. A member of the Compositae (also called Asteraceae) family of dicotyledonous plants, its garden relatives thus include the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia. There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants. Flower forms are variable, with one head per stem; these can be as small as 5 cm (2 in) diameter or up to 30 cm (1 ft) ("dinner plate"). This great variety results from dahlias being octoploids—that is, they have eight sets of homologous chromosomes, whereas most plants have only two. In addition, dahlias also contain many transposons—genetic pieces that move from place to place upon an allele—which contributes to their manifesting such great diversity. The majority of species do not produce scented flowers. Like most plants that do not attract pollinatinginsects through scent, they are brightly colored, displaying most hues, with the exception of blue. The dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963.[4] The tubers were grown as a food crop by the Aztecs, but this use largely died out after the Spanish Conquest. Attempts to introduce the tubers as a food crop in Europe were unsuccessful.[5] The modern name Asteraceae refers to the appearance of a star with surrounding rays Spaniards reported finding the plants growing in Mexico in 1525, but the earliest known description is by Francisco Hernández, physician to Philip II, who was ordered to visit Mexico in 1570 to study the "natural products of that country". They were used as a source of food by the indigenous peoples, and were both gathered in the wild and cultivated. The Aztecs used them to treat epilepsy,[7] and employed the long hollow stem of the (Dahlia imperalis) for water pipes.[8] The indigenous peoples variously identified the plants as "Chichipatl" (Toltecs) and "Acocotle" or "Cocoxochitl" (Aztecs). From Hernandez's perception of Aztec, to Spanish, through various other translations, the word is "water cane", "water pipe", "water pipe flower", "hollow stem flower" and "cane flower". All these refer to the hollowness of the plants' stem.[9] Hernandez described two varieties of dahlias (the pinwheel-like Dahlia pinnata and the huge Dahlia imperialis) as well as other medicinal plants of New Spain. Francisco Dominguez, a Hidalgo gentleman who accompanied Hernandez on part of his seven-year study, made a series of drawings to supplement the four volume report. Three of his drawings showed plants with flowers: two resembled the modern bedding dahlia, and one resembled the species Dahlia merckii; all displayed a high degree of doubleness.[10] In 1578 the manuscript, entitled Nova Plantarum, Animalium et Mineralium Mexicanorum Historia, was sent back to the Escorialin Madrid;[11] they were not translated into Latin by Francisco Ximenes until 1615. In 1640, Francisco Cesi, President of the Academia Linei of Rome, bought the Ximenes translation, and after annotating it, published it in 1649-1651 in two volumes as Rerum Medicarum Novae Hispaniae Thesaurus Seu Nova Plantarium, Animalium et Mineraliuím Mexicanorum Historia. The original manuscripts were destroyed in a fire in the mid-1600s.[12] In 1787, the French botanist Nicolas-Joseph Thiéry de Menonville, sent to Mexico to steal the cochineal insect valued for its scarlet dye, reported the strangely beautiful flowers he had seen growing in a garden in Oaxaca.[13] In 1789, Vicente Cervantes, Director of the Botanical Garden at Mexico City, sent "plant parts" to Abbe Antonio José Cavanilles, Director of the Royal Gardens of Madrid.[14]Cavanilles flowered one plant that same year, then the second one a year later. In 1791 he called the new growths "Dahlia" for Anders (Andreas) Dahl.[1]The first plant was called Dahlia pinnata after its pinnate foliage; the second, Dahlia rosea for its rose-purple color. In 1796 Cavanilles flowered a third plant from the parts sent by Cervantes, which he named Dahlia coccinea for its scarlet color. SectionsEdit Sections (including chromosome numbers), with geographical distribution;[34] Epiphytum Sherff (2n = 32)10 m tall climber with aerial roots 5 cm thick and up to more than 20 m long; pinnules opposite1 species, D. macdougallii SherffMexico: Oaxaca Entemophyllon P. D. Sorensen (2n = 34)6 speciesMexico: Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Querétaro, Durango, San Luis Potosí Pseudodendron P. D. Sorensen (2n = 32)3 species + D. excelsa of uncertain identityMexico: Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Oaxaca, and Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala & Colombia Dahlia (2n = 32, 36 or 64)24 speciesMexico: Distrito Federal, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Morelos, Nuevo León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Chiapas, México, Huehuetenango, Chihuahua, Durango, Michoacan & Guatemala Only Pseudodendron (D. imperialis) and Dahlia (D. australis, D. coccinea) occur outside Mexico. Since 1789 when Cavanilles first flowered the dahlia in Europe, there has been an ongoing effort by many growers, botanists and taxonomists, to determine the development of the dahlia to modern times. At least 85 species have been reported: approximately 25 of these were first reported from the wild, the remainder appeared in gardens in Europe. They were considered hybrids, the results of crossing between previously reported species, or developed from the seeds sent by Humboldt from Mexico in 1805, or perhaps from some other undocumented seeds that had found their way to Europe. Several of these were soon discovered to be identical with earlier reported species, but the greatest number are new varieties. Morphological variation is highly pronounced in the dahlia. William John Cooper Lawrence, who hybridized hundreds of families of dahlias in the 1920s, stated: "I have not yet seen any two plants in the families I have raised which were not to be distinguished one from the other.[22]Constant reclassification of the 85 reported species has resulted in a considerably smaller number of distinct species, as there is a great deal of disagreement today between systematists over classification The naming of the plant itself has long been a subject of some confusion. Many sources state that the name "Dahlia" was bestowed by the pioneering Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus to honor his late student, Anders Dahl, author of Observationes Botanicae. However, Linnaeus died in 1778, more than eleven years before the plant was introduced into Europe in 1789, so while it is generally agreed that the plant was named in 1791 in honor of Dahl, who had died two years before,[36]Linnaeus could not have been the one who did so. It was probably Abbe Antonio Jose Cavanilles, Director of the Royal Gardens of Madrid, who should be credited with the attempt to scientifically define the genus, since he not only received the first specimens from Mexico in 1789, but named the first three species that flowered from the cuttings.[20] Regardless of who bestowed it, the name was not so easily established. In 1805, German botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow, asserting that the genus DahliaThunb. (published a year after Cavanilles's genus and now considered a synonym of Trichocladus) was more widely accepted, changed the plants' genus from Dahlia to Georgina; after the German-born naturalist Johann Gottlieb Georgi, a professor at the Imperial Academy of Sciences of St. Petersburg, Russia.[37] He also reclassified and renamed the first three species grown, and identified, by Cavanilles. It was not until 1810, in a published article, that he officially adopted the Cavanilles' original designation of Dahlia.[38] However, the name Georgina still persisted in Germany for the next few decades. In Russian, it is still Georgina георгинa. "Dahl" is a homophone of the Swedish word "dal", or "valley"; although it is not a true translation, the plant is sometimes referred to as the "valley flower". Today the dahlia is still considered one of the native ingredients in Oaxacan cuisine; several cultivars are still grown especially for their large, sweet potato-like tubers. Dacopa, an intense mocha-tasting extract from the roasted tubers, is used to flavor beverages throughout Central America.[8] In Europe and America, prior to the discovery of insulin in 1923, diabetics—as well as consumptives—were often given a substance called Atlantic starchor diabetic sugar, derived from inulin, a naturally occurring form of fruit sugar, extracted from dahlia tubers.[103] Inulin is still used in clinical tests for kidney functionality. Based on the type of flower, dahlias can be classified as single-flowered type, ball type, pompon type, cactus type, semi-cactus type, collarette type, fimbriated type, waterlily type, decorative type, and the miscellaneous type. The common Dahlia symbolizes Staying graceful under pressure, especially in challenging situations Drawing upon inner strength to succeed Traveling and making a major life change in a positive way Standing out from the crowd and following your own unique path Staying kind despite being tested by certain life events Finding a balance between adventure and relaxation Commitment to another person or a certain ideal Warning someone about a potential betrayal. Red, which conveys power and strength to the person receiving the flower as a gift Pink and purple, two of the colors associated with kindness and grace White, a symbol of staying focused and pure Blue and green, perfect for occasions involving fresh starts and big changes The black Dahlia, which is actually a burgundy color tied to a warning of betrayal

Hydrangea

Hydrangea (/haɪˈdreɪndʒiə/)[1] common names hydrangea or hortensia, is a genus of 70-75 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably Korea, China, and Japan. Most are shrubs 1 to 3 meters tall, but some are small trees, and others lianas reaching up to 30 m (98 ft) by climbing up trees. They can be either deciduousor evergreen, though the widely cultivated temperate species are all deciduous. Hydrangea is derived from Greek and means 'water vessel', in reference to the shape of its seed capsules.[3] The earlier name, Hortensia, is a Latinised version of the French given name Hortense, referring to French astronomer and mathematician Nicole-Reine Lepaute. In most species the flowers are white, but in some species (notably H. macrophylla), can be blue, red, pink, light purple, or dark purple. In these species, floral color change occurs due to the presence of aluminum ions which are available or tied up depending upon the soil pH.[6][7] For H. macrophyllaand H. serrata cultivars, the flower color can be determined by the relative acidity of the soil: an acidic soil (pH below 7), will have available aluminum ions and typically produce flowers that are blue to purple,[8] whereas an alkaline soil (pH above 7) will tie up aluminum ions and result in pink or red flowers. This is caused by a color change of the flower pigments in the presence of aluminum ions which can be taken up into hyperaccumulating plants.[9] Lowering the pH of potting soils or mixes usually does not change the flower color to blue, because these soils have no aluminum ions. The ability to blue or pink a hydrangea is also influenced by the cultivar. Some plants are selected for their ability to be blued, while others are bred and selected to be red, pink or white. The flower color of most other Hydrangea species is not affected by aluminum and cannot be changed or shifted. Hydrangeas are also nicknamed 'Change Rose'. Hydrangea root and rhizome are indicated for treatment of conditions of the urinary tract in the Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine and may have diuretic properties.[13] Hydrangeas are moderately toxic if eaten, with all parts of the plant containing cyanogenic glycosides.[14] Hydrangea paniculata is reportedly sometimes smoked as an intoxicant, despite the danger of illness and/or death due to the cyanide.[15][16] The flowers on a hydrangea shrub can change from blue to pink or from pink to blue from one season to the next depending on the acidity level of the soil.[17]Adding organic materials such as coffee grounds, citrus peel or eggshells will increase acidity and turn hydrangea flowers blue, as described in an article on Gardenista.[18] A popular pink hydrangea called Vanilla Strawberry has been named "Top Plant" by the American Nursery and Landscape Association. The hybrid "Runaway Bride Snow White", bred by Ushio Sakazaki from Japan, was named Plant of the Year at the 2018 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The pink hydrangea has risen in popularity all over the world, especially in Asia. The given meaning of pink hydrangeas is popularly tied to the phrase, "You are the beat of my heart," as described by the celebrated Asian florist Tan Jun Yong, where he was quoted saying, "The light delicate blush of the petals reminds me of a beating heart, while the size could only match the heart of the sender!" Throughout history the hydrangea has been especially significant in Japan, where many believe the flower originated. According to a Japanese legend, the hydrangea became associated with heartfelt emotion, gratitude for understanding, and apology after a Japanese emperor gave them to the family of the girl he loved to make up for neglecting her in favor of business and show how much he cared about her. Pink hydrangeas are especially associated with genuine emotion because their shape resembles a beating heart. The hydrangea has a wide range of meanings, from heartfelt emotion to gratitude to boastfulness. Each meaning stems from different cultural beliefs and stories. Because of the Japanese legend above, hydrangeas are associated with an apology. Victorians considered hydrangeas a negative plant and used it to represent boastfulness, bragging, or vanity. Hydrangeas became associated with boastfulness and vanity because they produce magnificent flowers, but very few seeds. They were also given to people who turned down love interests as signs that they were cold or frigid Hydrangeas commonly come in shades of pink, blue, purple, and green. The hydrangea symbolism for each color is as follows: Pink hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotion. Blue hydrangeas symbolize frigidity and apology. White hydrangeas symbolize boasting or bragging. Purple hydrangeas symbolize a desire to deeply understand someone.

Forget-me-nots

Myosotis (/ˌmaɪ.əˈsoʊtɪs/ MY-ə-SOH-tiss[2]) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. The name comes from the Ancient Greek μυοσωτίς"mouse's ear", which the foliage is thought to resemble.[3] In the northern hemisphere they are colloquially denominated forget-me-nots[4] or scorpion grasses. The colloquial name "forget-me-not" was calqued from the German Vergissmeinnichtand first used in English in AD 1398 through King Henry IV of England.[5] Similar names and variations are found in many languages. Myosotis alpestris is the official flower of Alaska[6] and Dalsland, Sweden. Plants of the genus are commonly confused with Chatham Islands' forget-me-nots which belong to the related genus Myosotidium. Myosotis species have pentamerous actinomorphicflowers with 5 sepals and petals.[3] Flowers are typically 1 cm in diameter or less; flatly faced; colored blue, pink, white, or yellow with yellow centers; and born on scorpioid cymes. They typically flower in spring or soon after the melting of snow in alpine ecosystems. They are annual or perennial. The foliage is alternate, and their roots are generally diffuse. The small blue forget-me-not flower was first used by the Grand Lodge Zur Sonne, in 1926, as a Masonic emblem at the annual convention in Bremen, Germany. In 1938, a forget-me-not badge—made by the same factory as the Masonic badge—was chosen for the annual Nazi Party Winterhilfswerk, the annual charity drive of the National Socialist People's Welfare, the welfare branch of the Nazi party. This coincidence enabled Freemasons to wear the forget-me-not badge as a secret sign of membership. After World War II, the forget-me-not flower was used again as a Masonic emblem in 1948 at the first Annual Convention of the United Grand Lodges of Germany. The badge is now worn in the coat lapel by Freemasons around the world to remember all who suffered in the name of Freemasonry, especially those during the Nazi era. The flower is also the symbol for the Armenian Genocide's 100th anniversary. The design of the flower is a black dot symbolising the past, and of the suffering of Armenian people. The light purple petals syblmbolises the present, and of unity of Armenians. The 5 purple leaves symbolises the future, and of the 5 continents Armenians escaped to. The yellow in the centre symbolises eternity, and of the Tsitsernakaberd, itself, symbolising the 12 provinces lost to Turkey. What Does the Forget Me Not Flower Mean? True and undying love Remembrance during partings or after death A connection that lasts through time Fidelity and loyalty in a relationship, despite separation or other challenges Reminders of your favorite memories or time together with another person Growing affection between two people Honoring the Armenian Genocide Helping patients with Alzheimer's Disease Caring for the poor, disabled, and needy

Lotus

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus,[1] Nelum (in Sinhala), bean of India, Egyptian bean or simply lotus, is one of two extantspecies of aquatic plant in the familyNelumbonaceae. It is often colloquially called a water lily. Lotus plants are adapted to grow in the flood plains of slow-moving rivers and delta areas. Stands of lotus drop hundreds of thousands of seeds every year to the bottom of the pond. While some sprout immediately, and most are eaten by wildlife, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for an extensive period of time as the pond silts in and dries out. During flood conditions, sediments containing these seeds are broken open, and the dormant seeds rehydrate and begin a new lotus colony. Under favorable circumstances, the seeds of this aquatic perennial may remain viable for many years, with the oldest recorded lotus germination being from seeds 1,300 years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.[2] Therefore, the Chinese regards the plant as the symbol of longevity. It has a very wide native distribution, ranging from central and northern India with isolated locations at the Caspian Sea.[4] Today the species also occurs in southern India, Sri Lanka, virtually all of Southeast Asia, New Guinea and northern and eastern Australia, but this is probably the result of human translocations.[4] It has a very long history (c. 3,000 years) of being cultivated for its edible seeds,[4] and it is commonly cultivated in water gardens.[3] It is the national flower of India and Vietnam. Nelumbo nucifera shows high potential for usage in wastewater treatment removing polluting compounds[44] and heavy metals.[45][46][47] It is able to grow in variable water conditions[48] and in low light intensity.[44] Various studies show the successful use of N. nucifera to counteract water eutrophication.[44][49] The leaves of the floating lotus reduce sunlight reaching the lower part of the water. This suppresses algae growth in N. nuciferaaquatic systems and thus, the oxygen content is up to 20% higher than in other aquatic plant systems.[44] Due to intense agricultural practices, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution are major problems in aquatic systems. N. nucifera is able to assimilate a higher content of phosphorus than aquatic plants currently used for water remediation (such as water hyacinth). It also assimilates nitrogen ("denitrification") and creates a habitat for bacterial growth in the water body.[44] Through rhizofiltration, heavy metals - including arsenic, copper and cadmium - can be removed efficiently from the water.[45][46] The results observed are impressive showing 96% of copper and 85% cadmium metals removed after a seven-day incubation period.[46]The accumulation of heavy metals doesn't show morphological symptoms of metal toxicity;[47]however, the rhizome quality for human consumption needs further study. Nelumbo nucifera is the species of lotus sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.[80] In Asian art a lotus throne is a stylized lotus flower used as the seat or base for a figure. It is the normal pedestal for divine figures in Buddhist art and Hindu art, and often seen in Jain art. Originating in Indian art, it followed Indian religions to East Asia in particular. Lotus flowers are also often held by figures. The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth.

Water lilies

Nymphaeaceae /ˌnɪmfiːˈeɪsiː/ is a family of flowering plants, commonly called water lilies. They live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains five genera with about 70 known species.[2] Water lilies are rooted in soil in bodies of water, with leaves and flowers floating on or emergent from the surface. Leaves are round, with a radial notch in Nymphaeaand Nuphar, but fully circular in Victoria and Euryale. The white water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh and the state flower for Andhra Pradesh, India. The Emblem of Bangladesh contains a lily floating on water. The blue waterlily is the national flower of Sri Lanka. It is also the birth flower for Pisces. Lily pads, also known as Seeblätter, are a charge in Northern European heraldry, often coloured red (gules), and appear on the flag of Friesland and the coat of arms of Denmark (in the latter case often replaced by red hearts). The water lily has a special place in Sangam literature and Tamil poetics, where it is considered symbolic of the grief of separation; it is considered to evoke imagery of the sunset, the seashore, and the shark. Water lilies were depicted by the French artistClaude Monet (1840-1926) in a series of paintings. These flowers have always been associated with Greek and Italian nymphs due to the location where they can be found. Therefore, they have also represented purity, innocence, and chastity. Water lilies are a type of flower that can be found in water, therefore, they often have a symbolic meaning of essence and birth, which it also means, ultimately, the circle of life we all have. These flowers are loved by many because they can transform a simple pond and make it into a colorful and fragrant paradise where nature will start transforming and showing itself. They also have many benefits for the environment they live in. For example, they become a filter and end up purifying the water where they float. This will also help other aquatic plants that live nearby Water Lilies and will also help the fish that can be found in the ponds. In many parts of the world, such as Nigeria and Ghana, Water Lilies are loved and respected for their medicinal properties, as they help people cooling, thus they are a great source of medicine to treat fevers and or skin conditions that can raise the body's temperature. Also, in countries like Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, indigenous communities have revered Water Lilies and they thought they were a sacred symbol of the earth that was sent out by the gods and goddesses. Ancient Egyptians regarded water lilies as a symbol for the unity their nation had. Also, they had a blue water lily that represented the Sun, and, as a consequence, they thought it was also a symbol of rebirth. Therefore, the cycle of life was seen in water lilies and they even placed these flowers in their temples. It can be argued that in the Asian continent water lilies have a different meaning and symbolism as they represent universality, which is seen as the plant produces fruits that will help feed all individuals. Buddhist think water lilies and lotus represent enlightenment. They also think these flowers have many different meanings that all depend on the color of the flower. For example, red lilies are a representation of passion and love, white Lilies connote peace and purity, and purple Lilies represent power. However, the water lily they respect the most is the pink lily, as it represents knowledge. In this religion, water lilies are often associated with the concept of resurrection. This is because this flower will often "die'' during the night, and will ''resurrect'' during the morning. Besides, water lilies are also considered as something pure because they grow in the mud, and it is free of toxic particles.

Evening Primrose

Oenothera is a genus of about 145[3] species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas.[4] It is the type genus of the family Onagraceae. Common names include evening primrose, suncups, and sundrops. They are not closely related to the true primroses (genus Primula). The leaves form a basal rosette at ground level and spiral up to the flowering stems. The blades are dentate or deeply lobed (pinnatifid). The flowers of many species open in the evening, hence the name "evening primrose". They may open in under a minute. Most species have yellow flowers, but some have white, purple, pink, or red. Most native desert species are white. Oenothera caespitosa, a species of western North America, produces white flowers that turn pink with age.[5] One of the most distinctive features of the flower is the stigma, which has four branches in an X shape. Based on observations of evening primroses (O. drummondii), a study discovered that within minutes of sensing the sound waves of nearby bee wings through flower petals, the concentration of the sugar in the plant's nectar was increased by an average of 20 percent. Experiments were also conducted on flowers with the petals removed. No change in nectar production was noted, indicating that it is indeed the flowers that have the job of the ears. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from the Greek words οίνος θήρα (oinos thera) 'wine seeker'. This flower is said to mean fickleness or faithlessness, denoting infidelity in Victorian times. While it's not really clear how this came to be, there can be a positive meaning attached to the evening primrose too. On the more positive side of the symbolism, this blossom can mean sweet memories. There's a superstition about how people should bring these flowers into their homes. They would have to be in groups of 13. Otherwise, they can bring bad luck to the home and the people living in it.

Petunia

Petunia is genus of 20 species[1] of flowering plantsof South American origin. The popular flower of the same name derived its epithet from the French, which took the word petun, meaning "tobacco," from a Tupi-Guarani language. An annual, most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids (Petunia × atkinsiana, also known as Petunia × hybrida). Petunia is a genus in the family Solanaceae, subfamily Petunioideae. Well known members of Solanaceae in other subfamilies include tobacco(subfamily Nicotianoideae), and the cape gooseberry, tomato, potato, deadly nightshade and chili pepper (subfamily Solanoideae).[2] Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoain the genus Petunia,[3] but this is not accepted by others.[4][5][6] Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing Calibrachoa and Petunia. The following is a selection of cultivars which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: Conchita Blueberry Frost='Conblue' [14] Conchita Evening Glow='Conglow' [15] Conchita Strawberry Frost='Constraw' [16] NightSky='Kleph15313' [17] 'Storm Lavender' [18] 'Storm Pink' [19] 'Storm Salmon' [20] Surfinia Pink Vein='Suntosol' [21] Surfinia Purple='Sunpurple' [22] Tumbelina Priscilla='Kerpril' [23] The Maya and Inca believed that the scent of petunias had the power to ward off underworld monsters and spirits. Their flower-buds were bunched together for magical drinks. According to New Age folklore, Petunias will only thrive where there is "positive energy" and will not grow in places where there is "negativity".[25] When given as a gift, Petunias have (in the language of flowers) two mutually exclusive meanings, symbolising on the one hand being comfortable with someone,[26] and on the other anger and resentment. The name petunia comes from the Aboriginal name petun which means "a tobacco that does not make a good smoke". Petunias are an ornamental flower grown during the summer months to brighten the landscape. In Victorian weddings they symbolize "your company suits me". Historically, petunias have been used in Shamanism to promote altered states of perception. There are no specific meanings assigned to the color of petunia flowers, but you can use the color meaning assigned to all flowers to tailor the meaning of your petunias. Red - Passion & Love Purple - Enchantment, Fantasy, Charm, Grace, Mystery Pink - Motherly Love, , Femininity, Gentleness, Compassion Yellow - Respect, Friendship, Sympathy Blue - Deep Trust , Peacefulness, Intimacy White - Innocence, Trust, Truth, Dignity The petunia flower symbolizes anger and resentment especially when they are presented by someone with whom you have recently had a heated disagreement. They can also symbolize your desire to spend time with someone because you find their company soothing and peaceful. According to some sources, petunias are also a symbol of not losing hope.

Buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus, commonly known as bulbous buttercup or St. Anthony's turnip,[1] is a perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It has bright yellow flowers, and deeply divided, three-lobed long-petioled basal leaves. The native range of Ranunculus bulbosus is Western Europe between about 60°N and the Northern Mediterranean coast. It grows in both the eastern and western parts of North America as an introduced weed.[4] Bulbous buttercup grows in lawns, pastures and fields in general, preferring nutrient-poor, well-drained soils. Although it doesn't generally grow in proper crops or improved grassland, it is often found in hay fields[5] and in coastal grassland. Other names for the bulbous buttercup are "Goldcup" because of the colour and shape of the leaves, and "Frogs-foot" from their form. This plant, like other buttercups, contains the toxic glycoside ranunculin. It is avoided by livestock when fresh, but when the plant dries the toxin is lost, so hay containing the plant is safe for animal consumption. According to the first story, Buttercup got its name in the honor of Ranunculus, a young man with a beautiful voice. Ranunculus sang one day to the wooden nymphs in order to impress them, but he exhausted himself to death and fell to the ground. In honor of his beautiful voice, a small flower that grew on the place where he died, got the name after him. Another story explains a different origin to the name of Buttercup flower. Supposedly, cows that used to eat or graze on the Buttercup flowers used to give the sweetest milk out of all. Because of this, people gave Ranunculus flower the name Buttercup. Third story is the one about the miser and the fairies. This story talks about an old miser who dragged his sack full of gold across a field. Fairies saw him and asked him for alms. The miser didn't want to share his gold, so the fairies cut his sack with a blade of grass and the coins started to fall out of his sack. Wherever the coin fell, a small Buttercup flower grew. And lastly, the Buttercup flower is also linked to the story about coyote. This story is especially popular in the U.S. according to the story, coyote played with his eyes by throwing them in the air. Meanwhile an eagle caught his eyes and the coyote was left blind. In order to see, coyote used dainty buttercup flower to make himself new eyes. Many still call this flower coyote's eyes. Buttercup flower has several symbolic meanings that tell us a little bit more about the flower itself and its history in human culture. Buttercup flower meanings are: Neatness Childish Humility Yellow Color yellow is usually a symbol of joy, happiness, new beginning and friendship. If you want to make someone's day brighter and happier, then gift this person a yellow buttercup flower and surprise them. Plant yellow Buttercup flowers in your garden or around your home if you want to bring some positive energy into your life and fill your life with positive energy. Green Color green symbolizes optimism, renewal, good fortune, youth and health. Green Buttercup flower usually grown in the wild, but you can plant it in your garden or even keep it in your home. Color green makes us feel positive and full of energy, and it is always a good idea to have around and inside your home. Red, pink, orange Buttercup flowers that come in colors pink, red and orange were made by humans. The natural colors of this flower are green and yellow, but we loved the look of them so much that we have decided to add a bit more color options so we can enjoy the beauty of Buttercup flower to the fullest. Color red symbolizes love and passion. Color pink is the symbol of romance, love and gentle nature. And lastly, color orange is the symbol of passion and strong emotions. Radiance: "your splendor shines like the sun"

Lilac

Syringa (lilac) is a genus of 12 currently recognized[1] species of flowering woody plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), native to woodland and scrub from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia, and widely and commonly cultivated in temperate areas elsewhere. The genus Syringa was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus and the description was published in Species Plantarum.[1][8] The genus name Syringa is derived from Ancient Greek word syrinx meaning "pipe" or "tube" and refers to the hollow branches of S. vulgaris.[9][10] The English common name "lilac" is from the French lilac[7][11][12] via the Arabic ليلك ("lilak") from Persian نیلک ("nilak") meaning "bluish". Lilacs are often considered to symbolize love (see language of flowers). In Greece, Lebanon, and Cyprus, the lilac is strongly associated with Easter time because it flowers around that time; it is consequently called paschalia. In the poem "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", by Walt Whitman, lilacs are a reference to Abraham Lincoln. Syringa vulgaris is the state flower of New Hampshire, because it "is symbolic of that hardy character of the men and women of the Granite State." Several locations in North America hold annual Lilac Festivals, including: The Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, which celebrates "Lilac Sunday" every May. The Arboretum shows off its collection of over 422 lilac plants, of 194 different varieties.[16] Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year when picnicking is allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum. Lombard, Illinois, called the "Lilac Village", which has an annual lilac festival and parade in May. The village also contains Lilacia Park, a garden with over 200 varieties of lilacs, as well as over 50 kinds of tulips. Mackinac Island, in Michigan, which celebrates a weeklong lilac festival and lilac parade each June. Rochester, New York, which has held its Lilac Festival since 1898, hosts the longest-running festival in North America. Held in Highland Park, this celebration features 1,200 shrubs, representing over 500 varieties, many of which were developed in Rochester. It is the largest collection of varieties at any single place. The Royal Botanical Gardens near Hamilton, Ontario, which holds its Lilac Celebration each May. Spokane, Washington, known as the "Lilac City", which holds an annual lilac festival and lilac parade. Franktown, Ontario, Canada, holds an annual festival. Lilacs have a deep-rooted history originating in ancient Greek mythology. It was said that Pan, the god of forests and fields was hopelessly in love with a nymph named Syringa. One day he was pursuing her through a forest and, afraid of his advances, she turned herself into a lilac shrub to disguise herself. To Pan's surprise, he could not find Syringa, but he did find the shrub. Because a lilac shrub consists of hollow reeds, he cut the reeds and created the first pan pipe. The scientific name for lilac is Syringa vulgaris, and the name is derived from the Greek word "syrinks" which means pipe. The meaning of the lilac flower has diversified throughout the ages. Lilacs originated in Southeastern Europe and are a popular part of the Mediterranean culture. They are frequently associated with the Easter holiday, which occurs during the peak of its bloom time. Lilac meanings vary throughout different cultures and time periods. The Celtics regarded the lilac as "magical" due to their incredibly intoxicating fragrance. During the Victorian Age, the giving of a lilac was meant to be a reminder of an old love. In fact, widows were often seen wearing lilacs during this period. In Russia, holding a sprig of lilac over the newborn would bring wisdom. Because lilacs have one of the earliest bloom times, they symbolize spring and renewal. Lilacs also symbolize confidence, which makes them a traditionally popular gift for graduates. There are many meanings that lilacs have that can best be classified by color. White lilacs symbolize purity and innocence. Violet lilacs symbolize spirituality. Blue lilacs symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. Lilac, the color for which this flower is named, is a light purple that symbolizes a first love. Although various colors of lilacs have different meanings, the lilac has always had a strong association with love and romance throughout history.

marigold

Tagetes is a genus[2] of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants in the sunflower family Asteraceae. They are among several groups of plants known in English as marigolds. The genus Tagetes was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.[3][4] The plants are native to the Americas, growing naturally from the southwestern United States into South America, but some species have become naturalized around the world. One species, T. minuta, is considered a noxious invasive plant in some areas. Tagetes species vary in size from 0.1 to 2.2 m tall. Most species have pinnate green leaves. Blooms naturally occur in golden, orange, yellow, and white colors, often with maroon highlights. Floral heads are typically (1-) to 4-6 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and disc florets. In horticulture, they tend to be planted as annuals, although the perennial species are gaining popularity. They have fibrous roots.[citation needed] Depending on the species, Tagetes species grow well in almost any sort of soil. Most horticultural selections grow best in soil with good drainage, and some cultivars are known to have good tolerance to drought. The name Tagetes is from the name of the Etruscan Tages, born from the plowing of the earth.[6] It likely refers to the ease with which plants of this genus come out each year either by the seeds produced in the previous year, or by the stems which regrow from the stump already in place.[7] The common name in English, marigold, is derived from Mary's gold, a name first applied to a similar plant native to Europe, Calendula officinalis.[citation needed] The most commonly cultivated varieties of Tagetes are known variously as African marigolds (usually referring to cultivars and hybrids of Tagetes erecta), or French marigolds (usually referring to hybrids and cultivars of Tagetes patula, many of which were developed in France). The so-called signet marigolds are hybrids derived mostly from Tagetes tenuifolia. The name Marigold comes from an old story that says how Marigold flowers were used as an offering to the Virgin Mary and thus the symbolical meaning of sacred offerings we mentioned above. When people didn't have gold coins to offer to the Virgin, they would offer these bright yellow flowers instead. Specie of Marigolds belongs to the Tagetes family that got their name after the Etruscan prophet Tages. This name is also widely used among people and various cultures. Depending on the species, marigold foliage has a musky, pungent scent, though some varieties have been bred to be scentless. It is said to deter some common insect pests, as well as nematodes. Tagetes species — notably T. patula — are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco, and potato. Due to antibacterial thiophenes exuded by the roots, Tagetes should not be planted near any legume crop.[8] Some of the perennial species are deer-, rabbit-, rodent- and javalina or peccary-resistant.[8] T. minuta (khakibush or huacatay), originally from South America, has been used as a source of essential oil for the perfume and industry known as tagette or "marigold oil", and as a flavourant in the food and tobacco industries. It is commonly cultivated in South Africa, where the species is also a useful pioneer plant in the reclamation of disturbed land.[citation needed] Gonepteryx rhamni sucking nectar The florets of Tagetes erecta are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and are used as a food colour (INS number E161b) in the European Union for foods such as pasta, vegetable oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, citrus juice and mustard. In the United States, however, the powders and extracts are only approved as colorants in poultry feed.[citation needed] Marigolds are recorded as a food plant for some Lepidoptera caterpillars including the dot moth, and a nectar source for other butterflies and bumblebees. They are often part of butterfly gardening plantings. In the wild, many species are pollinated by beetles Tagetes lucida[edit] The species Tagetes lucida, known as pericón, is used to prepare a sweetish, anise-flavored medicinal tea in Mexico. It is also used as a culinary herb in many warm climates, as a substitute for tarragon, and offered in the nursery as "Texas tarragon" or "Mexican mint marigold".[citation needed] Tagetes minuta[edit] Tagetes minuta, native to southern South America, is a tall, upright marigold plant with small flowers used as a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Bolivia, where it is called by the Incan term huacatay. The paste is used to make the popular potato dish called ocopa. Having both "green" and "yellow/orange" notes, the taste and odor of fresh T. minuta is like a mixture of sweet basil, tarragon, mint and citrus. It is also used as a medicinal tea for gastrointestinal complaints and specifically against nematodes.[9][10] Tagetes - various species[edit] Marigolds decorating a grave for Day of the Dead in Mexico The marigold was regarded as the flower of the dead in pre-Hispanic Mexico, parallel to the lily in Europe, and is still widely used in the Day of the Dead celebrations.[citation needed] It is always sold in the markets for daily worships and rituals. The marigold is also widely cultivated in India and Thailand, particularly the species T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia. Vast quantities of marigolds are used in garlands and decoration for weddings, festivals, and religious events. Marigold cultivation is extensively seen in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh (for Deepawali market[11]) states of India. In Ukraine, chornobryvtsi (T. erecta, T. patula, and the signet marigold, l. tenuifolia) are regarded as one of the national symbols, and are often mentioned in songs, poems, and tales Marigold flowers were used as sacred offerings in many cultures. Some of them include Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Aztec. The reason why people gifted these beautiful flowers was probably because of their right yellow color and resemblance to gold and the sun. In Pagan religions, Marigold flowers were linked to the powerful strength of the sun because of their bright yellow or orange color. In Victorian era, this beautiful flower was seen as a symbol of despair, grief and they usually took Marigold flowers to graves and cemeteries. Another Victorian symbolic meaning was a cruel behavior towards someone you love. Mexicans saw the Marigold flower as a symbol of remembering the ones who are no longer with us, especially during the Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead. During the Middle Ages, the Marigold flower was seen as a charm, and many people carried it in their pockets to attract the person they like - The beautiful Marigold flower is a symbol of despair, regarding a lost love or being rejected by someone you love. This symbolic meaning is very specific and gifting it to someone you love might send a wrong message. - The Marigold flower is also a symbol of aspirations pointing towards being rich. - The beautiful Marigold represents winning affection over someone. When you feel like you have made a connection with someone you like, Marigold flowers might be the perfect gift to tell this person you are thinking about them seriously. - Besides being linked to love and feelings of sadness, Marigold flower is also a symbol of remembering the dead. Taking Marigold flowers to graves of loved ones is a usual practice and it is being done in many cultures around the world. - Marigold flowers were also used for sacred offerings, especially in the past. This is why they have a strong spiritual symbolism to them and people respect them because of that even more. This symbolic meaning is linked to the one above. - When you feel like the things between you and your partner are working perfectly, the Marigold flowers are the way to show it. These gorgeous flowers are going to tell your partner that you are happy with him or her and that things couldn't be better. - Bright and colorful Marigolds are also symbols of the beauty of the sun. Their appearance even resembles the sun and its warm rays and it is certainly a stand-out part of every flower arrangement.

Lilacs

The genus Syringa was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus and the description was published in Species Plantarum.[1][8] The genus name Syringa is derived from Ancient Greek word syrinx meaning "pipe" or "tube" and refers to the hollow branches of S. vulgaris.[9][10] The English common name "lilac" is from the French lilac[7][11][12] via the Arabic ليلك ("lilak") from Persian نیلک ("nilak") meaning "bluish" Several locations in North America hold annual Lilac Festivals, including: The Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, which celebrates "Lilac Sunday" every May. The Arboretum shows off its collection of over 422 lilac plants, of 194 different varieties.[16] Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year when picnicking is allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum. Lombard, Illinois, called the "Lilac Village", which has an annual lilac festival and parade in May. The village also contains Lilacia Park, a garden with over 200 varieties of lilacs, as well as over 50 kinds of tulips. Mackinac Island, in Michigan, which celebrates a weeklong lilac festival and lilac parade each June. Rochester, New York, which has held its Lilac Festival since 1898, hosts the longest-running festival in North America. Held in Highland Park, this celebration features 1,200 shrubs, representing over 500 varieties, many of which were developed in Rochester. It is the largest collection of varieties at any single place. The Royal Botanical Gardens near Hamilton, Ontario, which holds its Lilac Celebration each May. Spokane, Washington, known as the "Lilac City", which holds an annual lilac festival and lilac parade. Franktown, Ontario, Canada, holds an annual festival.[17] Species and subspecies currently accepted as of July 2016:[1][3] Syringa emodi Wall. ex Royle - Himalayan lilac - northern India, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal Syringa josikaea J.Jacq. ex Rchb.f. - Hungarian lilac - Carpathian Mountains of Romania and Ukraine Syringa komarowii C.K.Schneid. - nodding lilac - Gansu, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan Syringa oblata Lindl. - early blooming lilac or broadleaf lilac - Korea, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, SichuanSyringa oblata subsp. dilatata - Korean early lilac - Nakai - Korea, Jilin, Liaoning Syringa pinetorum W.W.Sm. - Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. - Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Sichuan Syringa pubescens Turcz. - Korea, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jilin, Liaoning, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan Syringa reticulata (Blume) H.Hara (syn. S. pekinensis) - Japanese tree lilac - Primorye, Japan, Korea, Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan Syringa tomentella Bureau & Franch. - Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan Syringa villosa Vahl - villous lilac - Primorye, Korea, Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning Syringa vulgaris L. - common lilac - native to Balkans; naturalized in western and central Europe, and many scattered locations in North America [18] HybridsEdit S. × diversifolia(S. oblata × S. pinnatifolia) S. × henryi(S. josikaea × S. villosa) S. × hyacinthiflora(S. oblata × S. vulgaris) S. × josiflexa(S. josikaea × S. komarowii) S. × laciniata (S. protolaciniata × S. vulgaris) - cut-leaf lilac or cutleaf lilac S. × persica L. (syn Syringa protolaciniata) - Persian lilac - Afghanistan, Pakistan, western Himalayas, Gansu, Qinghai S. × prestoniae (S. komarowii × S. villosa) S. × swegiflexa (S. komarowii × S. sweginzowii) Lilacs are often considered to symbolize love (see language of flowers). In Greece, Lebanon, and Cyprus, the lilac is strongly associated with Eastertime because it flowers around that time; it is consequently called paschalia. In the poem "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", by Walt Whitman, lilacs are a reference to Abraham Lincoln. Syringa vulgaris is the state flower of New Hampshire, because it "is symbolic of that hardy character of the men and women of the Granite State."[15] Because lilacs have one of the earliest bloom times, they symbolize spring and renewal. Lilacs also symbolize confidence, which makes them a traditionally popular gift for graduates. There are many meanings that lilacs have that can best be classified by color. White lilacs symbolize purity and innocence. Violet lilacs symbolize spirituality. Blue lilacs symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion. Lilac, the color for which this flower is named, is a light purple that symbolizes a first love. Although various colors of lilacs have different meanings, the lilac has always had a strong association with love and romance throughout history.

Tulip

Tulips (Tulipa) form a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes (having bulbs as storage organs). The flowers are usually large, showy and brightly colored, generally red, pink, yellow, or white (usually in warm colors). They often have a different colored blotch at the base of the tepals (petals and sepals, collectively), internally. Because of a degree of variability within the populations, and a long history of cultivation, classification has been complex and controversial. The tulip is a member of the lily family, Liliaceae, along with 14 other genera, where it is most closely related to Amana, Erythronium and Gagea in the tribe Lilieae. There are about 75 species, and these are divided among four subgenera. The name "tulip" is thought to be derived from a Persian word for turban, which it may have been thought to resemble. Tulips originally were found in a band stretching from Southern Europe to Central Asia, but since the seventeenth century have become widely naturalised and cultivated (see map). In their natural state they are adapted to steppes and mountainous areas with temperate climates. Flowering in the spring, they become dormant in the summer once the flowers and leaves die back, emerging above ground as a shoot from the underground bulb in early spring. Originally growing wild in the valleys of the Tian Shan Mountains, tulips were cultivated in Constantinople as early as 1055. By the 15th century, tulips were among the most prized flowers; becoming the symbol of the Ottomans.[2] While tulips had probably been cultivated in Persia from the tenth century, they did not come to the attention of the West until the sixteenth century, when Western diplomats to the Ottoman court observed and reported on them. They were rapidly introduced into Europe and became a frenzied commodity during Tulip mania. Tulips were frequently depicted in Dutch Golden Age paintings, and have become associated with the Netherlands, the major producer for world markets, ever since. In the seventeenth century Netherlands, during the time of the Tulip mania, an infection of tulip bulbs by the tulip breaking virus created variegated patterns in the tulip flowers that were much admired and valued. While truly broken tulips do not exist anymore, the closest available specimens today are part of the group known as the Rembrandts - so named because Rembrandt painted some of the most admired breaks of his time.[3] The word tulip, first mentioned in western Europe in or around 1554 and seemingly derived from the "Turkish Letters" of diplomat Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, first appeared in English as tulipa or tulipant, entering the language by way of French: tulipe and its obsolete form tulipan or by way of Modern Latin tulipa, from Ottoman Turkish tülbend ("muslin" or "gauze"), and may be ultimately derived from the Persian: دلبند‎ delband ("Turban"), this name being applied because of a perceived resemblance of the shape of a tulip flower to that of a turban.[13] This may have been due to a translation error in early times when it was fashionable in the Ottoman Empire to wear tulips on turbans. The translator possibly confused the flower for the turban.[6] Subdivision[edit] The genus, which includes about 75 species, is divided into four subgenera.[6] Clusianae (4 species) Orithyia (4 species) Tulipa (52 species) Eriostemones (16 species) Botrytis tulipae is a major fungal disease affecting tulips, causing cell death and eventually the rotting of the plant.[19] Other pathogens include anthracnose, bacterial soft rot, blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, bulb nematodes, other rots including blue molds, black molds and mushy rot.[20] The fungus Trichoderma viride can infect tulips, producing dried leaf tips and reduced growth, although symptoms are usually mild and only present on bulbs growing in glasshouses.[citation needed] Variegated tulips admired during the Dutch tulipomania gained their delicately feathered patterns from an infection with the tulip breaking virus, a mosaic virus that was carried by the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. While the virus produces fantastically streaked flowers, it also weakens plants and reduces the number of offsets produced. Dutch growers would go to extraordinary lengths during tulipomania to make tulips break, borrowing alchemists' techniques and resorting to sprinkling paint powders of the desired hue or pigeon droppings onto flower roots.[3] Tulips affected by the mosaic virus are called "broken"; while such plants can occasionally revert to a plain or solid colouring, they will remain infected and have to be destroyed. Today the virus is almost eradicated from tulip growers' fields. The multicoloured patterns of modern varieties result from breeding; they normally have solid, un-feathered borders between the colours. Tulip growth is also dependent on temperature conditions. Slightly germinated plants show greater growth if subjected to a period of cool dormancy, known as vernalisation. Furthermore, although flower development is induced at warmer temperatures (20-25 °C or 68-77 °F), elongation of the flower stalk and proper flowering is dependent on an extended period of low temperature (< 10 °C or 50 °F).[21] Tulip bulbs imported to warm-winter areas are often planted in autumn to be treated as annuals. The colour of tulip flowers also vary with growing conditions Cultivation of the tulip began in Persia, probably in the 10th century.[6] Early cultivars must have emerged from hybridisation in gardens from wild collected plants, which were then favoured, possibly due to flower size or growth vigour. The tulip is not mentioned by any writer from antiquity,[24] therefore it seems probable that tulips were introduced into Anatolia only with the advance of the Seljuks.[24] In the Ottoman Empire, numerous types of tulips were cultivated and bred,[25] and today, 14 species can still be found in Turkey.[24] Tulips are mentioned by Omar Kayam and Jalāl ad-Dīn Rûmi.[24] Species of tulips in Turkey typically come in red, less commonly in white or yellow. The Ottoman Turks had discovered that these wild tulips were great changelings, freely hybridizing (though it takes 7 years to show color) but also subject to mutations that produced spontaneous changes in form and color.[3] Carolus Clusius is largely responsible for the spread of tulip bulbs in the final years of the sixteenth century. He planted tulips at the Vienna Imperial Botanical Gardens in 1573. He finished the first major work on tulips in 1592 and made note of the variations in colour. After he was appointed the director of the Leiden University's newly established Hortus Botanicus, he planted both a teaching garden and his private garden with tulips in late 1593. Thus, 1594 is considered the date of the tulip's first flowering in the Netherlands, despite reports of the cultivation of tulips in private gardens in Antwerp and Amsterdam two or three decades earlier. These tulips at Leiden would eventually lead to both the tulip mania and the tulip industry in the Netherlands.[39] Over two raids, in 1596 and in 1598, more than one hundred bulbs were stolen from his garden. Tulips spread rapidly across Europe and more opulent varieties such as double tulips were already known in Europe by the early 17th century. These curiosities fitted well in an age when natural oddities were cherished and especially in the Netherlands, France, Germany and England, where the spice trade with the East Indies had made many people wealthy. Nouveaux riches seeking wealthy displays embraced the exotic plant market, especially in the Low Countries where gardens had become fashionable. A craze for bulbs soon grew in France, where in the early 17th century, entire properties were exchanged as payment for a single tulip bulb. The value of the flower gave it a special 'aura' of mystique, and numerous publications describing varieties in lavish garden manuals were published, cashing in on the value of the flower. An export business was built up in France, supplying Dutch, Flemish, German and English buyers. The trade drifted slowly from the French to the Dutch and is thought to have sparked the infamous tulip mania in Holland.[40]Between 1634 and 1637, the enthusiasm for the new flowers in Holland triggered a speculative frenzy now known as the tulip mania that eventually led to the collapse of the market three years later. Tulip bulbs had become so expensive that they were treated as a form of currency, or rather, as futures, forcing the Dutch government to introduce trading restrictions on the bulbs.[40] Around this time, the ceramic tulipiere was devised for the display of cut flowers stem by stem. Vases and bouquets, usually including tulips, often appeared in Dutch still-life painting. To this day, tulips are associated with the Netherlands, and the cultivated forms of the tulip are often called "Dutch tulips." The Netherlands has the world's largest permanent display of tulips at the Keukenhof. In horticulture, tulips are divided into fifteen groups (Divisions) mostly based on flower morphology and plant size.[44][45] Div. 1: Single early - with cup-shaped single flowers, no larger than 8 cm (3 inches) across. They bloom early to mid season. Growing 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 inches) tall. Div. 2: Double early - with fully double flowers, bowl shaped to 8 cm (3 inches) across. Plants typically grow from 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) tall. Div. 3: Triumph - single, cup shaped flowers up to 6 cm (2.5 inches) wide. Plants grow 35-60 cm (14-24 inches) tall and bloom mid to late season. Div. 4: Darwin hybrid - single flowers are ovoid in shape and up to 6 cm (2.5 inches) wide. Plants grow 50-70 cm (20-28 inches) tall and bloom mid to late season. This group should not be confused with older Darwin tulips, which belong in the Single Late Group below. Div. 5: Single late - cup or goblet-shaped flowers up to 8 cm (3 inches) wide, some plants produce multi-flowering stems. Plants grow 45-75 cm (18-30 inches) tall and bloom late season. Div. 6: Lily-flowered - the flowers possess a distinct narrow 'waist' with pointed and reflexed petals. Previously included with the old Darwins, only becoming a group in their own right in 1958.[46] Div. 7: Fringed (Crispa) - cup or goblet-shaped blossoms edged with spiked or crystal-like fringes, sometimes called "tulips for touch" because of the temptation to "test" the fringes to see if they are real or made of glass. Perennials with a tendency to naturalize in woodland areas, growing 45-65 cm (18-26 inches) tall and blooming in late season. Div. 8: Viridiflora Div. 9: Rembrandt Div. 10: Parrot Div. 11: Double late - Large, heavy blooms. They range from 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 inches) tall. Div. 12: Kaufmanniana - Waterlily tulip. Medium-large creamy yellow flowers marked red on the outside and yellow at the center. Stems 15 cm (6 inches) tall. Div. 13: Fosteriana (Emperor) Div. 14: Greigii - Scarlet flowers 15 cm (6 inches) across, on 15-centimetre (6 in) stems. Foliage mottled with brown.[47] Div. 15: Species or Botanical - The terms "species tulips" and "botanical tulips" refer to wild species in contrast to hybridised varieties.[48] As a group they have been described as being less ostentatious but more reliably vigorous as they age.[49][50] Div. 16: Multiflowering - not an official division, these tulips belong in the first 15 divisions but are often listed separately because they have multiple blooms per bulb. They may also be classified by their flowering season:[51] Early flowering: Single Early Tulips, Double Early Tulips, Greigii Tulips, Kaufmanniana Tulips, Fosteriana Tulips, § Species tulips Mid-season flowering: Darwin Hybrid Tulips, Triumph Tulips, Parrot Tulips Late season flowering: Single Late Tulips, Double Late Tulips, Viridiflora Tulips, Lily-flowering Tulips, Fringed (Crispa) Tulips, Rembrandt Tulips The tulip was a topic for Persian poets from the thirteenth century. In the poem Gulistan by Musharrifu'd-din Saadi, described a visionary garden paradise with "The murmur of a cool stream / bird song, ripe fruit in plenty / bright multicoloured tulips and fragrant roses..."[52] In recent times, tulips have featured in the poems of Simin Behbahani. Tulips are called lale in Turkish (from Persian: "laleh" لاله). When written in Arabic letters, "lale" has the same letters as Allah, which is why the flower became a holy symbol. It was also associated with the House of Osman, resulting in tulips being widely used in decorative motifs on tiles, mosques, fabrics, crockery, etc. in the Ottoman Empire.[6] The tulip was seen as a symbol of abundance and indulgence. The era during which the Ottoman Empire was wealthiest is often called the Tulip era or Lale Devri in Turkish. Tulips became popular garden plants in east and west, but, whereas the tulip in Turkish culture was a symbol of paradise on earth and had almost a divine status, in the Netherlands it represented the briefness of life.[6] The Black Tulip is a historical romance by Alexandre Dumas, père. The story takes place in the Dutch city of Haarlem, where a reward is offered to the first grower who can produce a truly black tulip. While tulips can be bred to display a wide variety of colours, black tulips have historically been difficult to achieve. The Queen of the Night tulip is as close to black as a flower gets, though it is, in fact, a dark and glossy maroonish purple - nonetheless, an effect prized by the Dutch.[3] The first truly black tulip was bred in 1986 by a Dutch flower grower in Bovenkarspel, Netherlands. The specimen was created by cross-breeding two deep purple tulips, the Queen of the Night and Wienerwald tulips.[53] The Semper Augustus was the most expensive tulip during tulip mania. "The colour is white, with Carmine on a blue base, and with an unbroken flame right to the top" - wrote Nicolas van Wassenaer in 1624 after seeing the tulip in the garden of one Dr Adriaen Pauw, a director of the new East India Company. With limited specimens in existence at the time and most owned by Pauw, his refusal to sell any flowers, despite wildly escalating offers, is believed by some to have sparked the mania.[3] By contrast to other flowers such as the coneflower or lotus, tulips have historically been capable of genetically reinventing themselves to suit changes in aesthetic values. In his 1597 herbal, John Gerard says of the tulip that "nature seems to play more with this flower than with any other that I do know." When in the Netherlands, beauty was defined by marbleized swirls of vivid contrasting colours, the petals of tulips were able to become "feathered" and "flamed." However, in the 19th century, when the English desired tulips for carpet bedding and massing, the tulips were able to once again accommodate this by evolving into "paint filled boxes with the brightest, fattest dabs of pure pigment." This inherent mutability of the tulip even led the Ottoman Turks to believe that nature cherished this flower above all others.[3] The Tulip is also viewed prominently in a number of the Major Arcana cards of the Oswald Wirth Tarot deck. Specifically: Arcanas Zero, One, Four, and Fifteen. Today, Tulip festivals are held around the world, for example in the Netherlands[54] and Spalding, England. There is also a popular festival in Morges, Switzerland. Every spring, there are tulip festivals in North America, including the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, Washington, the Tulip Time Festival in Orange City and Pella, Iowa, and the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tulips are also popular in Australia and several festivals are held in September and October, during the Southern Hemisphere's spring. In Christianity, tulips symbolize passion, belief and love. White tulips represent forgiveness while purple tulips represent royalty, both important aspects of Easter.[55] Tulip petals are edible flowers. The taste varies by variety and season, and is roughly similar to lettuce or other salad greens. Some people are allergic to tulips.[56][57] Tulip bulbs look similar to onions, but should not generally be considered food. The toxicity of bulbs is not well-understood, nor is there an agreed-upon method of safely preparing them for human consumption. There have been reports of illness when eaten, depending on quantity.[58] During the Dutch famine of 1944-45, tulip bulbs were eaten out of desperation, and Dutch doctors provided recipes. Tulips originated in Central Asia, and became very popular in Turkey. The tulip's name comes from the Persian word for turban, because in full bloom tulips have a turban-like shape. Tulips commonly mean perfect love. The meaning of perfect love is tied to Turkish and Persian legends about the love between Farhad and Shirin. There are a few variations of this tale. According to one story, Farhad was a prince. He was in love with a beautiful girl named Shirin. Unfortunately, Shirin is murdered, and this tears Farhad apart. In desperation, Farhad rides his horse off a cliff, and a red tulip grows where his blood touches the ground — the symbol for perfect love. In another version, Farhad is a stone cutter and Shirin is a princess. He tries to win her over and she rejects him, so he goes to the hills to play music to honor her. When she learns this, she falls in love with him. However, her father isn't pleased that she's fallen in love with a commoner, and tasks him with digging a giant canal to prove his love. After years, Farhad nearly finishes the canal, so Shirin's father sends a courtesan to convince Farhad that Shirin is dead. He is so distraught that he takes his life. When Shinrin learns of this, she goes to find him and takes her own life to be with him. Red tulips grow where their blood hits the ground as symbols that their love will last forever. Pink tulips symbolize happiness and confidence. Purple tulips symbolize royalty. Yellow tulips symbolize cheerful thoughts. White tulips symbolize forgiveness.

Periwinkle

Vinca minor (common names lesser periwinkle[1]or dwarf periwinkle) is a species of flowering plantin the dogbane family, native to central and southern Europe, from Portugal and France north to the Netherlands and the Baltic States, east to the Caucasus, and also southwestern Asia in Turkey. Other vernacular names used in cultivation include small periwinkle, common periwinkle, and sometimes in the United States, myrtle or creeping myrtle. The species is commonly grown as a groundcover in temperate gardens for its evergreen foliage, spring and summer flowers, ease of culture, and dense habit that smothers most weeds. It was once commonly planted in cemeteries in parts of the Southern United States and naturalized periwinkle may indicate the presence of graves whose other markers have disappeared. There are numerous cultivars, with different flower colours and variegated foliage. Many have a less vigorous habit than the species, and are therefore more suitable for smaller gardens. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-[6] Argenteovariegata[7] (leaves have creamy white margins) Atropurpurea[8] (burgundy-purple flowers) Azurea Flore Pleno[9] (double blue flowers) Bowles's Variety'[10] (violet-blue flowers: also known as 'Bowles's Blue' and 'La Grave') Vinca minor contains more than 50 alkaloids, including vincamine.[11] Other alkaloids include reserpine, reserpinine, akuammicine, majdine, vinerine, ervine, vineridine, tombozine, vincamajine, vincanine, vincanidine,[12] vincamone, apovincamine, vincaminol, desoxyvincaminol,[13] vincorine[14] and perivincine.[15] Vinpocetine (brand names: Cavinton, Intelectol; chemical name: ethyl apovincaminate) is a semisynthetic derivative alkaloid of vincamine. The Periwinkle was a potent religious symbol tied to the Virgin Mary in the Middle Ages, so it's not uncommon to see the little purple blossom peeking out of a stained glass window. Victorian flower language users assigned it the meaning of a beautifully blossoming friendship. It also means sharing the recollection of a pleasant memory from the past. In the Ukraine, it's tied to folklore about love that lasts through the eternity. It's given as a gift to newlyweds to wish them a long marriage, but it's even used around candles in the hopes that they'll last longer. The colour name periwinkle is derived from the flower. The common Periwinkle evokes feelings of Blossoming friendship that is still in its first stages Reminiscing about pleasant memories shared with a friend or relative Reaching your full potential and achieving your dreams Existence throughout eternity, and extending your time with what you love Everlasting love The purity and strength of the Virgin Mary. The Periwinkle has been a part of European history for thousands of years, so it's only natural that the name comes from Latin through Old and Middle English. The flower was once called pervinca by the Romans, which slowly involved into the flower's current name over the centuries. first love: "my heart was mine until we met"

bee orchid

no nectar, but labellum imitates female bee (Europe); attracts other bees as pollinators

I common names for Daylilies that make me want to make out with the person who named them

- radiant moonbeam - celestial city - white viper - champagne party - Rapid Eye Movement - Irish Royalty - Cosmic blast - Jamaican Midnight - moonlit masquerade - crowning light - Jade Ovation - blue tooth - blackthorne - saffron skye - Brazilian orange - Olympic gold - over heated - condilla - out of focus - audacity bound - capacity for wonder - raindrop - stardust dragon - snow dance - moon snow - stargazer - earlybird - drink the light - 'raptor' 'red raptor' and 'raptor rap' - Heaven to me - 'humungousaur' and 'gigantor' - apres moi - increased complexity - overdrive - hypnotized - supernatural - flame burst - jovial - liberator - visionary - Gideon - unbound - rain dance - space coast surprise purple - rose storm - wavelength - state of mind - dreaming out loud - loud and lovely - momentum - firewall - like wildfire - seasons in the sun - euphoric - citrus ferriswheel - sunset strip - dark wonder - premonition - vision of things to come - just as I am - test of time - moonlight sail - men in black - alien concept - bluegrass shadows - treasure of colors - static - ripples and reflections - skater - art in motion - scarface - rippled oasis - symphony of praise - pinnacle pink - raspberry winter - out of the blue - into the blue - bit of blue - through the looking glass - keep on looking - time for eternity - now or never - ticklish - web of illusions - dove in flight - violets and cream - I see spots - Corsican night - into the black - dragon's orb - Picotee prism - Zollo omega - fully exotic - teos - violet light - black to the future - Sunday drive - merlot - edge of tears - night and day - written on the wind - veto - live a little - voyager - predator - dark desire - cosmic sensation - galactic green - late to the party - shallow water - violet etching - upgrade - vanishing mist - butterfly moon - velocity - kissing the rain - April in paris - coffee to go - there's a place - palace garden - Thai temple - kaleidoscopic intrigue - violet moon - Chicago orchid - subtle knife - barefoot bay - transcendant love - peacock maiden - heated star - bottle rock - dizzy damselfly - You are joy - spacecoast Tasmanian devil - chimes at midnight - living legend - fantasy fringe - Desperado Love - Time in a bottle - X-ray - devil's footprint - I can't stop - apple mountain - Hologram - a heart apart - great mercies - Chinese chariot - altered state - cherryville - My heart belongs to daddy - street urchin - white fang - through the fire - loud girls - lingering love - lavender deal - glass ceiling - blue blast - proud python - prismatic - epicenter - seascape - tattoo - dragon fire breeze - astral voyager - pattern evolution - tropical depression - daybloomer dreams - vivid heart - lavender light - made you blush - ethereal light - plum curls - a world away - splatter - cool morning mist - strawberry swirl - divine decadence - classic romance - Irish halo - best for last

Roses

A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears.[1] There are over three hundred species and tens of thousands of cultivars.[1] They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing, or trailing, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles.[1] Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds.[1] Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa.[1]Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and often are fragrant. Roses have acquired cultural significance in many societies.[1]Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach seven meters in height.[1] Different species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses The genus Rosa is subdivided into four subgenera: Hulthemia (formerly Simplicifoliae, meaning "with single leaves") containing two species from southwest Asia, Rosa persica and Rosa berberifolia, which are the only roses without compound leaves or stipules. Hesperrhodos (from the Greek for "western rose") contains Rosa minutifolia and Rosa stellata, from North America. Platyrhodon (from the Greek for "flaky rose", referring to flaky bark) with one species from east Asia, Rosa roxburghii (also known as the chestnut rose). Rosa (the type subgenus, sometimes incorrectly called Eurosa) containing all the other roses. This subgenus is subdivided into 11 sections.Banksianae - white and yellow flowered roses from China.Bracteatae - three species, two from Chinaand one from India.Caninae - pink and white flowered species from Asia, Europe and North Africa.Carolinae - white, pink, and bright pink flowered species all from North America.Chinensis - white, pink, yellow, red and mixed-colour roses from China and Burma.Gallicanae - pink to crimson and striped flowered roses from western Asia and Europe.Gymnocarpae - one species in western North America (Rosa gymnocarpa), others in east Asia.Laevigatae - a single white flowered species from China.Pimpinellifoliae - white, pink, bright yellow, mauve and striped roses from Asia and Europe.Rosa (syn. sect. Cinnamomeae) - white, pink, lilac, mulberry and red roses from everywhere but North Africa.Synstylae - white, pink, and crimson flowered roses from all areas. Roses are most commonly associated with love and romance. Roses can also mean secrecy or confidentiality. The term "sub rosa", meaning under the rose, comes from ancient times. Romans would hang roses from the ceilings of banquet halls, and it was understood that anything said under the influence of wine was to remain confidential. In the Middle Ages, roses were also hung from the ceilings of meeting rooms. It was understood that everyone under the roses was sworn to secrecy. Roses are also used on four tarot cards. The Fool, the Magician, the Strength card, and the Death card. On the Fool, the white rose symbolizes purity and is a reminder to cleanse the mind. On the Magician card, it signifies unfolding wisdom. On the Strength card, the rose represents balance. And on the Death card, it's a reminder of purity, clarity, and transparency of intent. A rose's symbolism varies by the color of the rose and how many roses are given. Red roses symbolize love and romance and are the perfect Valentine's Day rose. Pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy. Orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and passion. Yellow roses symbolize friendship. White roses symbolize innocence and purity. Though in most cases, roses are tied to love, you can send a specific romantic message by the number of roses you send. One rose symbolizes love at first sight. Two roses symbolize shared and deep love. Three roses says "I love you". Six roses says "I want to be yours". Seven roses says "I'm infatuated with you". Nine roses symbolize eternal love. Ten roses says "You're perfect".

Peruvian lily

Alstroemeria (/ˌælstrɪˈmɪəriə/), commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae. They are all native to South America although some have become naturalized in the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira and the Canary Islands. Almost all of the species are restricted to one of two distinct centers of diversity, one in central Chile, the other in eastern Brazil. Species of Alstroemeria from Chile are winter-growing plants while those of Brazil are summer-growing. All are long-lived perennials except A. graminea, a diminutive annual from the Atacama Desert of Chile. Plants of this genus grow from a cluster of tubers. They send up fertile and sterile stems, the fertile stems of some species reaching 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are alternately arranged and resupinate, twisted on the petioles so that the undersides face up. The leaves are variable in shape and the blades have smooth edges. The flowers are solitary or borne in umbels. The flower has six petalseach up to 5 centimeters long. They come in many shades of red, orange, purple, green, and white, flecked and striped and streaked with darker colors. There are six curving stamens. The stigma has three lobes. The fruit is a capsule with three valves. Alstroemeria are classified as an inferior monocot, meaning the petals are located above the ovary and the leaves are parallel. The genus was described by Johan Peter Falk and his thesis supervisor Carl Linnaeus in his 1762 dissertation Planta Alströmeria.[3] Linnaeus bears the botanical authority (L.). EtymologyEdit The genus was named after the Swedish baron Clas Alströmer (1736-1794), a friend of Linnaeus. Many hybrids and at least 190 cultivars have been developed, featuring many different markings and colors, including white, yellow, orange, apricot, pink, red, purple, and lavender. The most popular and showy hybrids commonly grown today result from crosses between species from Chile (winter-growing) with species from Brazil (summer-growing). This strategy has overcome the florists' problem of seasonal dormancy and resulted in plants that are evergreen, or nearly so, and flower for most of the year. This breeding work derives mainly from trials that began in the United States in the 1980s, the main breeding is done nowadays by companies in the Netherlands. The flower, which resembles a miniature lily, is very popular for bouquets and flower arrangements in the commercial cut flower trade. These delicate flowers survive up to 14 days in water without any signs of shrivelling. The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit Apollo'[5] (white/yellow flowers) 'Cahors'[6] (pink/yellow) 'Coronet'[7] (salmon/yellow flowers) 'Friendship'[8] (yellow flushed pink) 'Orange Glory'[9] 'Oriana'[10] (salmon/yellow) 'Phoenix'[11] (red/yellow) 'Red Elf'[12] 'Sirius'[13] (pink/yellow) 'Sonata'[14] (red/yellow) 'Spitfire'[15] (orange/yellow) 'Tessa'[16] (red flowers) 'Yellow Friendship'[17] Peruvian lilies are also called alstroemeria after the Swedish botanist credited with introducing them to Europe. In the late 18th century, Baron Von Alstroemer returned from a trip to South America with seeds from the Peruvian lily. Not long after this discovery, the flower found great popularity with flower-enthusiasts around the world. Today, the meanings of Peruvian lilies are friendship and devotion. As a symbol of devotion, Peruvian lilies can say to a companion or loved one that you will always be there for them and that you trust in your lasting bond. The depth of meanings for Peruvian lilies is a compliment to their beauty, and the message that these flowers send is profound in its authentic simplicity.From their origins in the mountains of Peru, the Peruvian lilies have found a special place within the language of flowers.

Daylily

A daylily or day lily is a flowering plant in the genusHemerocallis /ˌhɛmɪroʊˈkælɪs/,[2] a member of the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Hemerocallidoideae. Despite the common name, it is not in fact a lily. Gardening enthusiasts and horticulturists have long bred daylily species for their attractive flowers. Thousands of cultivars have been registered by local and international Hemerocallis societies. The name Hemerocallis comes from the Greekwords ἡμέρα (hēmera) "day" and καλός (kalos) "beautiful" Daylilies have been found growing wild for millennia throughout China, Mongolia, northern India, Korea, and Japan.[7] There are thousand-year-old Chinese paintings showing orange daylilies that are remarkably similar to the flowers that grace modern gardens. Daylilies may have been first brought to Europe by traders along the silk routes from Asia.[8] However it was not until 1753 that daylilies were given their botanic name of Hemerocallis by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. Daylilies were first brought to North America by early European immigrants, who packed the roots along with other treasured possessions for the journey to the New World. By the early 1800s, the plant had become naturalized, and a bright orange clump of flowers was a common sight in many homestead gardens. As popular as daylilies were for many hundreds of years, it was not until the late 19th century that botanists and gardeners began to experiment with hybridizing the plants. Over the next hundred years, thousands of different hybrids were developed from only a few wild varieties. In fact, most modern hybrids are descended from two types of daylily. One is Hemerocallis flava—the yellow lemon lily. The other is Hemerocallis fulva, the familiar tawny-orange daylily, also known affectionately as the "ditch lily." Hemerocallis is one of the very highly hybridized plant genera. Hybridizers register hundreds of new cultivars yearly. Hybridizers have extended the genus' color range from the yellow, orange, and pale pink of the species, through vibrant reds, purples, lavenders, greenish tones, near-black, near-white, and more. However, hybridizers have not yet been able to produce a daylily with primarily blue flowers. Flowers of some cultivars have small areas of cobalt blue. Other flower traits that hybridizers developed include height, scent, ruffled edges, contrasting "eyes" in the center of a bloom, and an illusion of glitter called "diamond dust." Sought-after improvements include foliage color, variegation, plant disease resistance, and the ability to form large, neat clumps. Hybridizers also seek to make cultivars cold-hardier by crossing evergreen and semi-evergreen plants with dormant varieties. In the UK the following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-[14] 'All American Chief' 'Always Afternoon' 'Arctic Snow' 'Asterisk' 'August Frost' 'Beauty to Behold' 'Burning Daylight'[15] 'Cat Dancer' 'Cayenne' 'Cherry Eyed Pumpkin' H. citrina 'Condilla' 'Curly Cinnamon Windmill' 'Custard Candy' 'Eggplant Escapade' 'Elegant Candy' 'Fooled Me' 'Grey Witch' 'Holly Dancer' 'Jamaican Me Crazy' 'Jellyfish Jealousy' 'Julie Newmar' 'Karen's Curls' 'Killer' 'Lady Neva' 'Lime Frost' 'Mahogany Magic' 'Mary's Gold' 'Moonlit Masquerade' 'North Wind Dancer' 'Old Tangiers' 'Performance Anxiety' 'Pink Damask'[16] 'Primal Scream' 'Radiant Moonbeam' 'Red Precious'[17] 'Ruby Spider'[18] 'Running Late' 'Russian Rhapsody' 'Selma Longlegs' 'Serena Sunburst'[19] 'Sir Modred'[20] 'Spider Man' 'Stafford'[21] 'Strawberry Candy' 'Tuxedo Junction' The name of this genus comes from the Greek words "hemera," which means "day" and "kalles," which means "beauty." The loose translation of this is "beautiful for one day," since each daylily flower remains open for just a day. Orange or yellow daylilies are most often used to symbolize joy, love, courage, beauty, and devotion. A darker orange daily - or even one that is redder - could symbolize deeper passion. As with many types of flowers, a white daylily symbolizes innocence, purity, perfection, and honesty. The day lily is a flower that represents the sacrifice that a mother makes for her child. It can also represent the filial devotion that a child has to his or her own mother. It can have many other meanings besides this, too. For example, if the day lily is poised in a cheerful fashion, it indicates good luck. The day lily also serves as a symbol of flirtation. Because it blooms at sunrise and closes at sunset, it shows that it doesn't intend to stay around long. That's just like a flirt, isn't it? Daylilies come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, each of which plays a role in the overall meaning and symbolism of the flower.

Trout lily

Erythronium, the fawn lily, trout lily, dog's-tooth violet or adder's tongue, is a genus of Eurasian and North American plants in the lily family,[2][3][4][5][6]most closely related to tulips.[7] The name Erythronium derives from Ancient Greek ἐρυθρός(eruthrós) "red" in Greek, referring to the red flowers of E. dens-canis. Erythronium includes about 20-30 species of hardyspring-flowering perennial plants with long, tooth-like bulbs. Slender stems carry pendent flowers with recurved tepals in shades of cream, yellow, pink and mauve. Species are native to forests and meadows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The following cultivars, of mixed ancestry, have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: 'Apple Blossom' [10] (white with yellow centre) 'Janice' [11] (pink) 'Joanna' [12] (cream/pale yellow throat) 'Pagoda' [13] (cream yellow) 'Sundisc'[14] (yellow) 'Wildside Seedling' [15] (white/yellow) The bulb is edible as a root vegetable, cooked or dried, and can be ground into flour. The leaves can also be cooked as a leaf vegetable. In Japan, Erythronium japonicum is called katakuri, and the bulb is processed to produce starch, which is used for food and other purposes. There is no direct meaning attributed to this flower so I will take a bit of license here, and use the meaning of a yellow lily since technically it is a lily. In the language of flowers, a yellow lily means walking on air, happy and gratitude. I find this the perfect meaning of this spring wildflower for when I see it I am indeed walking on air and grateful that it is still blooming in my garden.

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)

Ficaria verna (formerly Ranunculus ficaria L.), commonly known as lesser celandine or pilewort,[3] is a low-growing, hairless perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae native to Europe and Western Asia. It has fleshy dark green, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with bright yellow, glossy petals.[4][5] It is now introduced in North America, where it is known by the common name fig buttercup and considered an invasive species.[6][7][8][9] The plant is poisonous if ingested raw and potentially fatal to grazing animals and livestock such as horses, cattle, and sheep.[10]For these reasons, several US states have banned the plant or listed it as a noxious weed.[7][11] It prefers bare, damp ground and is considered by horticulturalists in the United Kingdom as a persistent garden weed;[12][13] nevertheless, many specialist plantsmen, nursery owners and discerning gardeners in the UK and Europe collect selected cultivars of the plant, including bronze-leaved and double-flowered ones. Emerging in late winter with flowers appearing late February through May in the UK, its appearance across the landscape is regarded by many as a harbinger of spring. Growth and reproduction is poor in dry or acidic conditions, though the plants can handle drought well once dormant.[12] By emerging before the forest canopy leafs out, Ficaria verna is able to take advantage of the higher levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor during late winter and early spring.[21] By late spring, second year plants quickly age as daylight hours lengthen and temperatures rise.[12]By the end of May, foliage has died back and plants enter a six month dormancy phase.[20] If disturbed, separation of the plant's numerous basal tubers is an efficient means of vegetative propagation.[19] The plants are easily spread if the prolific tubers are unearthed and scattered by digging activities of some animals and humans.[21][12] Erosion and flood events are particularly effective means of spread, as the plants are very successful at colonizing low-lying floodplains once deposited. The plant is known as pilewort by some herbalists because it has historically been used to treat piles (hemorrhoids).[40][41] Lesser celandine is still recommended in several "current" herbal guides for treatment of hemorrhoids by applying an ointment of raw leaves as a cream or lanolin to the affected area.[18][41][42] Supposedly, the knobby tubers of the plant resemble piles, and according to the doctrine of signatures this resemblance suggests that pilewort could be used to cure piles.[43] Nicholas Culpepper (1616 - 1654), is claimed to have treated his daughter for 'scrofula' (or Kings evil) with the plant. Most guides today point out that medicines should be made from the dried herb or by heat extraction as the untreated plants and extracts will contain protoanemonin, a mild toxin.[40][41] The plant has been widely used in Russia and is sold in most pharmacies as a dried herb.[46] The protoanemoninfound in fresh leaves is an irritant and mildly toxic but is suggested to have antibacterial properties if used externally.[40] The process of heating or drying turns the Ranunculaceae toxin to anemonin which is non-toxic and may have antispasmodic and analgesic properties. Mesolithic Hunter gatherers in Europe consumed the roots of the plant as a source of carbohydrates boiled, fried or roasted. The poet William Wordsworth was very fond of the flower, which inspired him to write three poems: "To the Small Celandine," "To the Same Flower," and "The Small Celandine." The third poem begins thus: There is a Flower, the lesser Celandine,That shrinks, like many more, from cold and rain;And, the first moment that the sun may shine,Bright as the sun himself, 'tis out again! Its the floral equivalent of the swallow: both reappear around the same time and herald the coming of spring. In fact the word 'celandine' comes from the Greek chelidon meaning 'swallow' and it traditionally first blooms on 21st February making it one of the first woodland flowers of the year. This also gave the lesser celandine the name 'spring messenger'. Aptly enough, the Victorians used it to symbolise "joys to come". Symbolism: "let this token of spring inform you of my love"

Flame lilies

Gloriosa is a genus of 12 species in the plant family Colchicaceae, and includes the formerly recognised genus Littonia. They are native in tropical and southern Africa to Asia, and naturalised in Australiaand the Pacific as well as being widely cultivated.[2]The most common English names are flame lily, fire lily, gloriosa lily, glory lily, superb lily, climbing lily, and creeping lily They are tender, tuberous rooted deciduousperennials, adapted to summer rainfall with a dormant dry season. All parts of the plant contain colchicine and related alkaloids and are therefore dangerously toxic if ingested, and contact with the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation. Various preparations of the plant are used in traditional medicines for a variety of complaints in both Africaand India. Plants have leaf tip tendrils. Gloriosa are herbaceous perennials that climb or scramble over other plants with the aid of tendrils at the ends of their leaves and can reach 3 meters in height. They have showy flowers, many with distinctive and pronouncedly reflexed petals, like a Turk's cap lily, ranging in colour from a greenish-yellow through yellow, orange, red and sometimes even a deep pinkish-red. All parts of Gloriosa contain colchicine, the roots and seeds are especially rich. The lethal dose of colchicine is about 6 mg/kg,[5] and Gloriosa superbahas been used as a means of committing suicide. Gloriosa superba is the national flower of Zimbabwe(where it is a protected plant). A diamond brooch in the shape of the flame lily was a gift from Southern Rhodesia (modern day Zimbabwe) to Queen Elizabeth II on a visit in 1947 while she was still the crown princess.[7] It is also the state flower of Tamil Nadu state in India.[8] It is also considered the state flower of Eelam, the Tamil-dominant region of Sri Lanka. The genus name Gloriosa is from the Latin gloriosus meaning 'glorious', 'famous' or 'ostentatious'. The species name superbameans 'superb' or 'splendid'. This plant was named for its showy 'glorious superb' summer flowers. Almost unavoidably, Gloriosa represents fame and honour. The nickname of 'glory lily' is thanks to the fantastic flowers. The other nickname 'climbing lily' in inspired by the curling tendrils which readily wrap themselves around things. It's the national flower of Zimbabwe, where the plant is protected and is known as 'fire lily' - it's said to be the source of all life.

Zinnia

Zinnia is a genus of plants of the sunflower tribewithin the daisy family (Asteraceae).[3][4] They are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. The genus name honors German master botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn accepted species[1][7][8] Zinnia acerosa - Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah in the United States; Coahuila, Durango, Michoacán, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, and Zacatecas in Mexico. Zinnia americana - Chiapas, Guerrero, Honduras, Jalisco, Michoacán, México State, Nayarit, Nicaragua, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Zinnia angustifolia - Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, and Sinaloa. Zinnia anomala - Texas; Coahuila, and Nuevo León. Zinnia bicolor - Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa. Zinnia citrea - Chihuahua, Coahuila, and San Luis Potosí. Zinnia elegans from Jalisco to Paraguay; naturalized in parts of United States. Zinnia flavicoma - Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Oaxaca. Zinnia grandiflora - Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas; Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Sonora, and Tamaulipas. Zinnia haageana - Guanajuato, Jalisco, México State, Michoacán, and Oaxaca. Zinnia juniperifolia - Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Zinnia maritima - Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa. Zinnia microglossa - Guanajuato and Jalisco. Zinnia oligantha - Coahuila. Zinnia palmeri - Colima, Jalisco Zinnia pauciflora Phil. Zinnia peruviana - widespread from Chihuahua to Paraguay including Galápagos and West Indies; naturalized in parts of China, South Africa, and the United States. Zinnia pumila A.Gray Zinnia purpusii - Chiapas, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, and Puebla. Zinnia tenuis - Chihuahua. Zinnia venusta - Guerrero. Zinnia zinnioides (Kunth) Olorode & Torres formerly included[1] see Glossocardia Philactis Zinnia bidens - Glossocardia bidens Zinnia liebmannii - Philactis zinnioides Zinnia elegans, also known as Zinnia violacea, is the most familiar species, originally from the warm regions of Mexico being a warm-hot climate plant. Its leaves are lance-shaped and sandpapery in texture, and height ranges from 15 cm to 1 meter.[5] Zinnia angustifolia is another Mexican species. It has a low bushy plant habit, linear foliage, and more delicate flowers than Z. elegans - usually single, and in shades of yellow, orange or white. It is also more resistant to powdery mildew than Z. elegans, and hybrids between the two species have been raised which impart this resistance on plants intermediate in appearance between the two. The Profusionseries, with both single and double-flowered components, is bred by Sakata of Japan, and is among the most well-known of this hybrid group. Zinnias seem to be a favorite of butterflies as well as hummingbirds, and many gardeners add zinnias specifically to attract them Experimentation aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated the capability of zinnias to grow and blossom in a weightless environment The zinnia is one tough flower so the symbolism has evolved to mean endurance in all of it's many forms. This includes spontaneous endurance: from youth to old age the zinnia endures and continues to bloom. It is also believed to mean joyous endurance, happy to bloom in the broiling heat of summer. The zinnia also endures through any trials and tribulations (unforgiving heat, drought, bugs) and continues to put forth beautiful flowers in many shades of red, orange, apricot, yellow, white, lilac and even lime green. Color meaning of zinnia flowers include: yellow: daily remembrance white: pure goodness magenta: lasting affection red: of the heart, steadfastness, familial ties, like the steady beating of a heart mixed: thinking of an absent friend thinking of you, I miss you

Daisies

Bellis perennis is a common European species of daisy, of the family Asteraceae, often considered the archetypal species of that name. Many related plants also share the name "daisy", so to distinguish this species from other daisies it is sometimes qualified as common daisy, lawn daisyor English daisy. Historically, it has also been commonly known as bruisewort and occasionally woundwort Bellis may come from bellus, Latin for "pretty", and perennis is Latin for "everlasting". The name "daisy" is considered a corruption of "day's eye",[11] because the whole head closes at night and opens in the morning. Chaucer called it "eye of the day". In Medieval times, Bellis perennisor the English Daisy was commonly known as "Mary's Rose".[12] It is also known as bone flower.[13] The English Daisy is also considered to be a flower of children and innocence.[14] Daisy is used as a girl's name and as a nickname for girls named Margaret, after the French name for the oxeye daisy, marguerite. This daisy may be used as a potherb. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads[15] or cooked, noting that the leaves become increasingly astringent with age.[6] Flower buds and petals can be eaten raw in sandwiches, soups and salads.[7] It is also used as a tea and as a vitamin supplement. Bellis perennis has astringent properties and has been used in herbal medicine.[16] In ancient Rome, the surgeons who accompanied Roman legions into battle would order their slaves to pick sacks full of daisies in order to extract their juice; bellum, Latin for "war", may be the origin of this plant's scientific name. Bandages were soaked in this juice and would then be used to bind sword and spear cuts. Bellis perennis is still used in homeopathy for wounds and after certain surgical procedures,[17][unreliable source?] as well as for blunt trauma in animals.[18][19][unreliable source?] Typically, the plant is harvested while in flower when intended for use in homeopathy.[7] Bellis perennis flowers have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally as tea (or the leaves as a salad) for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract Daisies symbolize innocence and purity. This stems from an old Celtic legend. According to the legend, whenever an infant died, God sprinkled daisies over the earth to cheer the parents up. In Norse mythology, the daisy is Freya's sacred flower. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and as such the daisy came by symbolize childbirth, motherhood, and new beginnings. Daisies are sometimes given to congratulate new mothers. They also mean chastity and transformation because of the Roman myth of Vertumnus and Belides. Vertumnus, god of seasons and gardens, became enamored with Belides, a nymph. He continuously pursued her, and in order to escape his affections she turned herself into a daisy. Daisy's scientific name Bellis, stems from this story. Daisy's are composite flowers, meaning that they actually consist of two flowers combined into one. The inner section is called a disc floret, and the outer petal section is called a ray floret. Because daisies are composed of two flowers that blend together so well, they also symbolize true love. In Old English, daisies were referred to as "day's eye" because at night the petals close over the yellow center and during the day they re-open. The phrase "as fresh as a daisy" originated from this, signifying that someone had a good night's rest. The word daisy also made its way into other slang words and phrases. In the 1800s, the phrase "ups-a-daisy" was commonly used to encourage children to get up when they fell. This eventually transformed into "oopsy daisy" or "whoops-a-daisy" — an exclamation after a stumble or mistake. During this time "daisy" also became English slang for something excellent or appealing. This term made an appearance in 1993 Doc Holliday film Tombstone in which he uses phrases like, "You're no daisy. No daisy at all." The daisy, and its meaning, also inspired renowned authors and poets throughout history. Shakespeare used a daisy chain in Hamlet to represent Ophelia's innocence. Wordsworth also praised the daisy in his popular poem "To The Daisy." But now my own delights I make, My thirst at every rill can slake, And gladly Nature's love partake Of Thee, sweet Daisy! White daisy flower is a symbol of purity and innocence. Yellow symbolizes happiness, joy and friendship. Color pink is a symbol of love, romance and gentleness. Red is the color of love, romance and passion. It also symbolizes that the receiver is beautiful, even if they don't realize that

Cobra lily

Darlingtonia californica /dɑːrlɪŋˈtoʊniəkælɪˈfɔːrnɪkə/, also called the California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant, is a species of carnivorous plant. As a pitcher plant it is the sole member of the genus Darlingtonia in the familySarraceniaceae. It is native to Northern Californiaand Oregon growing in bogs and seeps with cold running water. This plant is designated as uncommon due to its rarity in the field. The name "cobra lily" stems from the resemblance of its tubular leaves to a rearing cobra, complete with a forked leaf - ranging from yellow to purplish-green - that resemble fangs or a serpent's tongue. The plant was discovered in 1841 by the botanistWilliam D. Brackenridge at Mount Shasta. In 1853 it was described by John Torrey, who named the genus Darlingtonia after the Philadelphian botanist William Darlington (1782-1863). The cobra plant is not just restricted to nutrient-poor acidic bogs and seepage slopes, but many colonies actually thrive in ultramafic soils, which are in fact basic soils, within its range. In common with most carnivorous plants, the cobra lily is adapted to supplementing its nitrogen requirements through carnivory, which helps to compensate for the lack of available nitrogen in such habitats. Because many carnivorous species live in hostile environments, their root systems are commonly as highly modified as their leaves. Darlingtonia californica is no exception. The cobra lily is able to survive fire by regenerating from its roots, but despite this important role the roots are very delicate organs. While the temperatures in much of the species's range can exceed 25 °C, their roots die back after exposure to temperatures not much higher than 10 °C. Temperature plays a large part in the functioning of all plants, but it is very rare for individual organs to have such different temperature tolerances. The physiological mechanisms and evolutionary benefits of this discrepancy are not fully understood The cobra lily is unique among the three genera of American pitcher plants. It does not trap rainwater in its pitcher. Instead, it regulates the level of water inside physiologically by releasing or absorbing water into the trap that has been pumped up from the roots. It was once believed that this variety of pitcher plant did not produce any digestive enzymes and relied on symbiotic bacteria and protozoa to break down the captured insects into easily absorbed nutrients. Recent studies have indicated that Darlingtonia secretes at least one proteolyticenzyme that digests captured prey.[6]:61 The cells that absorb nutrients from the inside of the pitcher are the same as those on the roots that absorb soil nutrients. The efficiency of the plant's trapping ability is attested to by its leaves and pitchers, which are, more often than not, full of insects and their remains.[6]:58 In addition to the use of lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs common to all North American pitcher plants to force their prey into the trap, this species carefully hides the tiny exit hole from trapped insects by curling it underneath and offering multiple translucent false exits. Upon trying many times to leave via the false exits, the insect will tire and fall down into the trap. The slippery walls and hairs prevent the trapped prey from escaping. The only other species that utilizes this technique is the parrot pitcher plant, Sarracenia psittacina. The hooded pitcher plant, Sarracenia minor, utilizes a similar trapping technique, with the only difference being the exit hole of the pitcher is not curled underneath as the cobra's is, but rather a leaf is folded over close to the top of entrance. A misconception about Darlingtonia is that it's forked tongue is assumed to be an adaption to trap insects, However a study done by American Journal of Botany found out that when you remove the tongue the prey biomass remains unchanged Many carnivorous plant enthusiasts have succeeded in cultivating these plants, and have developed or discovered three color morphs: all green, all red, and red-green bicolor. Wild-type plants are all green in moderate light and bicolor in intense sunlight.

Calla Lily

Zantedeschia /ˌzæntɪˈdɛskiə/[4] is a genus of eight species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The genus has been introduced on all continents except Antarctica. Common names include arum lily for Z. aethiopicaand calla and calla lily for Z. elliottiana and Z. rehmannii, although members of the genus are neither true lilies of Liliaceae, true Arums, nor true Callas (related genera in Araceae). The colourful flowers and leaves of both species and cultivars are greatly valued and commonly grown as ornamental plants. Eight species are currently recognized:[13][1][14] Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. - giant white arum lily or common arum lily - South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Zantedeschia albomaculata (Hook.) Baill. - spotted arum lily - widespread from South Africa north to Nigeria and Tanzania Zantedeschia elliottiana (W.Watson) Engl. - yellow or golden arum lily - Mpumalanga Province of South Africa Zantedeschia jucunda Letty - Leolo Mountains of northern South Africa Zantedeschia odorata P.L.Perry - Western Cape Province Zantedeschia pentlandii (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) Wittm. - Mpumalanga Province of South Africa Zantedeschia rehmannii Engl. - pink arum lily - South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique Zantedeschia valida (Letty) Y.Singh - KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa The name of the genus was given as a tribute to Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846) by the German botanist Kurt Sprengel (1766-1833). Zantedeschia shares the general properties of the family Araceae in causing contact irritation. Zantedeschia species are also poisonous due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the form of raphides. All parts of the plant are poisonous, typically producing local irritation or a burning sensation in the mouth and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.[28][29] However leaves are sometimes cooked and eaten During the flower language boom in the Victorian era, there were strict social codes and flowers were considered the best medium to express feelings. Flowers delivered their messages subtly and every aspect of flower-gifting carried specific meanings, from the person who made the offer to the way the flowers were arranged. Each type of flower was associated with a specific, symbolic meaning. Due to the calla lily's resemblance to female genitalia, a gift of calla lily delivered an overtly sexual message. This meaning was popularized by admirers like Freud and artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. The calla lily was named after the Greek word for beautiful — calla. It is associated with the Greek goddess Hera. According to the legend Zeus brought Hercules, his son from another woman, to Hera, his wife, while she was asleep to drink her milk. When she woke up she pushed him away and drops of milk flew across the sky to create the milky way. The ones that fell on the ground grew into beautiful lilies. When Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and desire, saw the lilies she was jealous of their beauty. She cursed their beauty by placing a large yellow pistil in the middle of the flowers. Because of this story, some associate the calla lily with Venus and thus with lust and sexuality. Calla lily's symbolism varies by flower color. White calla lilies symbolize purity and innocence. Pink calla lilies symbolize appreciation and admiration. Purple calla lilies symbolize charm and passion. Yellow calla lilies symbolize gratitude. Beauty and magnificence

Snapdragons

Antirrhinum is a genus of plants commonly known as dragon flowers or snapdragons because of the flowers' fancied resemblance to the face of a dragonthat opens and closes its mouth when laterally squeezed. They are native to rocky areas of Europe, the United States, and North Africa. The word "antirrhinum" is derived from the Greekἀντίρρινον antirrhinon "calf's snout, Antirrhinum Orontium"[10] which in turn is derived from ἀντί anti"against, like", and ῥίς rhis "nose" (GEN ῥινόϛrhinos);[11] thus, possibly "noselike", possibly referring to the noselike capsule in its mature state. In addition to growing the plants for cut flowers, the seeds have been used to extract edible oils, particularly in Russia, while the leaves and flowers have been considered to possess antiphlogistic(anti-inflammatory) properties and have been used in poultices. A green dye has also been extracted from the flowers. Since a snapdragon is a symbol for both deception and graciousness, sometimes snapdragons are used as a charm against falsehood. In Victorian times, messages from lovers were secretly sent by flowers. A snapdragon with a flower known for truth-telling, such as a hyacinth, meant that the giver is sorry for making a mistake. Snapdragons also symbolize grace under pressure or inner strength in trying circumstances. Snapdragons possess two meanings. This is similar to the mythical creature they resemble, revered in some cultures and feared in others: A snapdragon means grace and, due to its growth in rocky areas, strength. However, it can also symbolize deviousness Grace - Snapdragon flower is a symbol of grace and virtue. This flower stands tall and straight up to the sky. It almost reminds us of a person who is proud and won't let anyone tell her what to do. Snapdragon flowers can be gifted to people you appreciate and love. They are going to send them a clear message, and that is the message of respect and admiration. No matter to which you are gifting this flower, you can be certain that no person will get offended or confused by your message. You can confidently gift this flower to your partner, mother or even a co-worker, without being afraid of sending the wrong message. This flower is only going to pass on to them a message of respect, admiration and grace. Strength - Snapdragon has often been used as a symbol of strength. This flower grows on rocks and stones, in places that are not particularly suitable and fruitful. Because of this, it was often used as a symbol of strength and fighting against of all odds. People would often associate Snapdragon's ability to grow on difficult places with person's ability to overcome problems and issues in life. You can gift this flower to anyone you love and find to be a strong and resilient person. This is a gorgeous flower with a very strong message, so you can be sure that the recipient is going to receive a clear message from you. Deviousness - Snapdragon flower also symbolizes deviousness. In ancient times, Snapdragon flowers were sent between lovers as a symbol of love and lust. Those who were married as well would send these flowers to their mistresses and lovers, in order to tell them they are still important for them. This flower was also used as a tool to say that you are sorry, especially in Victorian times. Since it had a truth-telling capability, it was often used as the flower that begged for forgiveness. refusal: "you mean nothing to me"

artemesia

Artemisia /ˌɑːrtɪˈmiːziə/[3] is a large, diverse genus of plants with between 200 and 400 species belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name Artemisia derives from the Greek goddess Artemis (Roman Diana), the namesake of Greek Queens Artemisia I and II.[6] A more specific reference may be to Artemisia II of Caria, a botanist and medical researcher (also a queen and naval commander) who died in 350 BC. The aromatic leaves of some species are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. A. dracunculus (tarragon) is widely used as a culinary herb, particularly important in French cuisine. Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) was used to repel midges (mug > midge), fleas and moths, intestinal worms, and in brewing (mugwort beer, mugwort wine) as a remedy against hangovers and nightmares. Artemisia absinthium is used to make the highly potent spirits absinthe. Malört also contains wormwood. The aperitif vermouth (derived from the German word Wermut, "wormwood") is a wine flavored with aromatic herbs, but originally with wormwood. Artemisia arborescens (tree wormwood, or sheebain Arabic) is an aromatic herb indigenous to the Middle East used in tea, usually with mint. A few species are grown as ornamental plants, the fine-textured ones used for clipped bordering. All grow best in free-draining sandy soil, unfertilized, and in full sun. Artemisia stelleriana is known as Dusty Miller, but several other species bear that name, including Jacobaea maritima (syn. Senecio cineraria), Silene coronaria (syn. Lychnis coronaria), and Centaurea cineraria. The largest collection of living Artemisia species, subspecies and cultivars is held in the National Collection of Artemisia in Sidmouth, Devon, UK , which holds about 400 taxa. The National Collection scheme is administered by Plant Heritage (formerly National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens, NCCPG) in the British Isles. Artemisinin (from Artemisia annua) and derivatives are a group of compounds with the most rapid action of all current agents used to treat malaria.[28]Treatments containing an artemisinin derivative (artemisinin-combination therapies) are now standard treatment worldwide for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It has been shown that whole leaf Artemisia annua increases artemisinin bioavailability, making it more effective. [29]Administering Artemesia annua as dried whole leaves may cause resistance to develop more slowly than if it is administered as pure artemisenin.[30]Dried leaf Artemesia may also be helpful in cases where the malaria has become resistant to artemisinin combination therapy and artesunate.[31] Artemisia cina and other Old World species are the source of the antihelminthic drug santonin. Chinese mugwort, Artemisia argyi, is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In mice, Artemisia capillaris has been found to have potent sedative-hypnotic effects, which are probably mediated through potentiation of the GABAA receptor- Cl− ion channel complex.[32] In rats, Artemisia austriaca has beneficial effects in reducing the withdrawal syndrome of morphine.[33] Artemisia annua is being considered as a possible treatment for COVID-19.[34] As of June 2020 there is no evidence that Artemisia can treat or prevent COVID-19.[35] Despite this, Madagascar began manufacturing and distributing the herbal drink Covid-Organics in April 2020.[36] There are concerns over widespread usage of Artemisiaaccelerating resistance to Artemisinin in the malariaparasite.[37] Nonpharmaceutical sources of artemisinin such as juices, teas, and infusions may give subtherapeutic doses which could exacerbate the resistance problem. Artemisia has been mentioned and used in popular culture for centuries. A few examples are: Artemisia herba-alba is thought to be the plant translated as "wormwood" in English language versions of the Bible (apsinthos in the Greek text). Wormwood is mentioned seven times in the Jewish Bible, always with the implication of bitterness. It is mentioned once in the New Testament.[38] Wormwood is the "name of the star" in the Book of Revelation 8:11 (kai to onoma tou asteros legetai ho Apsinthos) that John of Patmos envisions as cast by the angel and falling into the waters, making them undrinkably bitter. Further references in the Bible show wormwood was a common herb known for its bitter taste. (Deuteronomy 29:17, Proverbs 5:4, Jeremiah 9:15, 25:15, Lamentations 3:15,19, Amos 5:7) In Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet, the titular character says "Wormwood, wormwood" to comment on the bitter implications of what the Player Queen has just said. common Names: ~Old Man~ ~Lad's Love~ ~Boy's Love~ ~Appleringie~ ~Garderobe Herb~ ~Our Lord's Wood~ ~Garden Sagebrush~ ~European Sage~ Found in Europe and Great Britain. Artemisia was named for the Goddess Artemis. Historically used as strewing herb. It was the custom for women to carry large bunches of this plant and balm to church, to prevent drowsiness. Southernwood known as the herb of love, is ruled by Mercury. It is associated with sexual appeal and has been used by males to increase their virility. Southernwood was put under mattresses in Ancient Greece and Rome for its aphrodisiacal properties. Its common nickname, ~Lad's Love,~ refers to the habit of including a spray of the plant in country bouquets presented by lovers to their lasses in order to seduce them. Represents fidelity. Southernwood was the most potent antidote for magic potions. Reputed to ward off evil spirits and infection it was used as an antiseptic and as a hair tonic for curing baldness. The ointment was used to stimulate beard growth. It kept snakes away and protected people from thieves. It was said that the plant can cause impotence. The pungent, scented leaves and flowers are used in herbal teas. Young shoots were used to flavor pastries and puddings. In Italy, it is used as a culinary herb. Branches produce a deep yellow dye for use with wool. Its used as an insect and moth repellent (the reason why the French call the plant ~Garderobe hope: "will you not change your mind?"

Clovenlip Toadflax

Linaria bipartita is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family known by the common name clovenlip toadflax. It is native to Morocco, but it can be found elsewhere as an introduced species and it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.[1] It is an annualherb growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with linear leaves 3 to 5 centimeters in length. The inflorescence is a raceme of flowers occupying the top of the stem. The flower is about 2 centimeters long with five lobes arranged into two lips with a spur at the end. The flower is often reddish purple in color, but flowers of many different colors are bred for the garden. The fruit is a spherical capsule about 2 millimeters wide. toadflax symbolizes hesitation and "treat me gently" Clovenlip Toadflax specifically is a declaration of love "please notice my feelings for you"

Lily of the Nile

Agapanthus praecox (common agapanthus,[1]blue lily,[1] African lily,[2] or lily of the Nile[3]) is a popular garden plant around the world, especially in Mediterranean climates.[4] It is native of Natal and Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, local names include agapant, bloulelie, isicakathi and ubani.[1]Most of the cultivated plants of the genus Agapanthus are hybrids or cultivars of this species. It is divided into three subspecies: subsp.praecox, subsp. orientalis and subsp. minimus Agapanthus praecox is a variable species with open-faced flowers. It is a perennial plant that can survive up to 75 years. Its evergreen leaves are 2 cm wide and 50 cm long. Its inflorescence is in umbel. The flowers of the agapanthus are blue, purple or white and bloom in the summer. They give capsules filled with fine black seeds (to be kept cool in sand until sowing). Its stem reaches one meter high. Its roots are very powerful and can break concrete. Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox This subspecies occurs in Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It usually grows to between 0.8 and 1 metre tall and has 10-11 leathery leaves. The blue flowers, appear from December to February.[1]These have perianth segments which are greater than 50 mm in length.[1] Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis This subspecies occurs in Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal. Although it is about the same height as subsp. praecox, it has up to 20 poisonous, strap-like leaves per plant which are arching and are not leathery.[1] These range in length from 20 to 70 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide.[5]Flower colour ranges from blue to white.[1][3] Shiny black seeds are produced in three-sided capsules.[3] These have perianth segments which are less than 50 mm in length.[1] Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus Occurring in the southeastern Western Cape and Eastern Cape, this subspecies is the smallest, ranging in height from 300 to 600 mm. It has a longer flowering season, from November to March. Flower colour includes white and various shades of blue. Although there is not much history on the agapanthus flower, we do know its name comes from two Greek words, agape and anthos, meaning love and flower. Therefore, this flower has been a symbol of love for many, many years. Another interesting fact about this flower is that it has a history of medicinal use within South African tribes. Mostly used for prenatal care and as a method to induce labor, this flower has been known to aid in troubles with heart disease, fevers, paralysis and more.

Angelica

Angelica is a genus of about 60 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far north as Iceland, Lapland and Greenland.[1] They grow to 1-3 m (3 ft 3 in-9 ft 10 in) tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers. Found mainly in China, its main use was for medicine. It shows variations in fruit anatomy, leaf morphology and subterranean structures. The genes are extremely polymorphic. Some species can be found in purple moor and rush pastures. Angelica species grow to 1-3 m (3 ft 3 in-9 ft 10 in) tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers. Their large, sparkling, starburst flowers[2] are pollinated by a great variety of insects (the generalist pollinationsyndrome),[3] the floral scents are species-specific, and even specific to particular subspecies.[4] The active ingredients of angelica are found in the roots and rhizomes[5] and contains furocoumarins in its tissues which make the skin sensitive to light.[6] inspiration: "your love is my guiding star"

astilbe

Astilbe /əˈstɪlbiː/[1] is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America.[2] Some species are known by the common names false goat's beard and false spirea. These hardy herbaceous perennials are cultivated by gardeners for their large, handsome, often fern-like foliage and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. They are widely adapted to shade and water-logged conditions, hence they are particularly associated with pond-side planting. They also tolerate clay soils well. Numerous hybrid cultivars have been raised. Flowers of at least some Astilbe species have a strong and pleasant aroma. Some species, including Astilbe rivularis, are used in traditional medicine. The name Astilbe comes from the Greek word a (meaning without) and stilbe (meaning brilliance). Not the meaning you expect for this happy flower. Some other common names are false goat's beard, feather and false spirea. If you see the flower, you can imagine where does names come from. Astilbe flowers are a symbol of patience and dedication to a beloved one. If you give this flower away, you give the promise that you will be waiting for this person. The flower is long blooming, this symbolize the dedication to the loved one. Not for nothing, is this flower popular at weddings.

Kaffir lily

Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or bush lily, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clivia of the family Amaryllidaceae, native to woodland habitats[2] in South Africa (Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) as well as in Swaziland. Given suitable conditions it grows into large clumps and is surprisingly water wise. It is also reportedly naturalized in Mexico.[3] It is a popular plant for shady areas and is commonly seen growing in older established suburbs in most Australian states. It is also popular in New Zealand, Japan, China and the USA, particularly California. It grows to a height of about 45 cm (18 in), and flowers are red, orange or yellow, sometimes with a faint, but very sweet perfume. It is sometimes known in cultivation as "Kaffir lily" (a term considered offensive in South Africa).[4] The same name is also applied to the genus Hesperantha. It contains small amounts of lycorine, making it poisonous. The Latin specific epithet miniata means "cinnabarred".

Tickseed

Coreopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Common names include calliopsis and tickseed These plants range from 46-120 centimetres (18-47 inches) in height. The flowers are usually yellow with a toothed tip, but may also be yellow-and-red bicolor.[3] They have showy flower heads with involucral bracts in two distinct series of eight each, the outer being commonly connate at the base. The flat fruits are small and dry and look like insects. There are 75-80 species of Coreopsis, all of which are native to North, Central, and South America. The name Coreopsis is derived from the Greek words κόρις (koris), meaning "bedbug", and ὄψις (opsis), meaning "view", referring to the shape of the achene. The sunny, summer-blooming, daisy-like flowers are popularly planted in gardens to attract butterflies. Both annual and perennial types are grown in the home garden (USDA hardiness zone 7a/6b).[3] In the Mid-Atlantic region, insects such as bees, hover flies, and wasps are often observed visiting the flowers. Dried plants can be used to make tea. Coreopsis has also been used as a coffee substitute. All Coreopsis species were designated the state wildflower of the U.S. state of Florida in 1991.[10] In the language of flowers, Coreopsis means to be always cheerful, while Coreopsis arkansa in particular stands for love at first sight. Some Native American tribes believed drinking coreopsis tea would protect against being struck by lightning. Others thought the tea would help women to conceive daughters. Symbolism: "a token to wish you joy"

Crocus

Crocus (English plural: crocuses or croci) is a genusof flowering plants in the iris family comprising 90 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. The spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, an autumn-blooming species. Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub, and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in North Africa and the Middle East, central and southern Europe, in particular Krokos, Greece,[2] on the islands of the Aegean, and across Central Asia to Xinjiang Province in western China.[1][3][4] The name of the genus is derived from the Greekκρόκος (krokos).[5] This, in turn, is probably a loan word from a Semitic language, related to Hebrewכרכום karkōm, Aramaic ܟܟܘܪܟܟܡܡܐ kurkama, and Arabic كركم kurkum, which mean "saffron" (Crocus sativus), "saffron yellow" or turmeric (see Curcuma).[6] The word ultimately traces back to the Sanskrit kunkumam (कुङ्कुमं) for "saffron".[7] The English name is a learned 16th-century adoption from the Latin, but Old English already had croh"saffron". A crocus has three stamens, while a similar-looking toxic plant, Colchicum, sometimes popularly referred to as "autumn crocus", has six stamens. In addition, crocus have one style, while Colchicum have three. The financial community sometimes refers to companies or economic sectors that rise early after an economic downturn as "crocuses" in reference to the flower's ability to thrive in the late winter or early spring Crocus or Krokus (Greek: Κρόκος) was a mortal youth who, because he was unhappy with his love affair with Smilax, was turned by the gods into a plant bearing his name, the crocus.

Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as the carnation or clove pink, is a species of Dianthus. It is probably native to the Mediterranean region but its exact range is unknown due to extensive cultivation for the last 2,000 years Carnations were mentioned in Greek literature 2,000 years ago. The term dianthus was coined by Greek botanist Theophrastus, and is derived from the Ancient Greek words for divine ("dios") and flower ("anthos").[5] The name "carnation" is believed to come from the Latin corona-ae, a "wreath, garland, chaplet, crown",[6] as it was one of the flowers used in Greek and Roman ceremonial crowns, or possibly from the Latin caro (genitive carnis), "flesh",[6]which refers to the natural colour of the flower, or in Christian iconography incarnatio, "incarnation", God made flesh in the form of Jesus. The legend that explains the name is that Diana the Goddess came upon the shepherd boy and took a liking to him. But the boy, for some reason, turned her down. Diana ripped out his eyes and threw them to the ground where they sprouted into the dianthus flower. Carl Linnaeus described the carnation in volume one of his Species Plantarum in 1753, giving it the name Dianthus caryophyllus,[7] Although originally applied to the species Dianthus caryophyllus, the name carnation is also often applied to some of the other species of Dianthus, and more particularly to garden hybrids between D. caryophyllus and other species in the genus. The carnation means fascination, distinction, and love. According to a Christian legend, carnations grew from the Virgin Mary's tears as she watched Jesus carry the cross. This is how they became associated with motherly love. In the Netherlands, white carnations are worn to remember veterans and the country's resistance to World War II. In France, purple carnations are the traditional funeral flower. In some countries, red carnations are worn on May Day to symbolize socialism and the labor movement. White carnations symbolize purity and luck. Light red carnations symbolize admiration. Dark red carnations symbolize love and affection. Pink carnations symbolize gratitude. Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection. Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness.

Amazon lily

Eucharis is a genus of about 15-20 species of neotropical plants in the Amaryllis family,[3] native to Central America and South America, from Guatemala south to Bolivia. Some species have become naturalized in Mexico, the West Indies, and scattered tropical islands.[2][4] The English name Amazon lily is sometimes used for all species in the genus (as well as other genera),[5] but is particularly used for Eucharis amazonica and Eucharis × grandiflora, which are often confused.

Ginger lily

Hedychium coronarium (white garland-lily[2] or white ginger lily[3]) is a perennial flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, native to the Eastern Himalayas region of India (Sikkim and Tripura), Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, through northernmost Myanmar and Thailand, southern China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi and Guangdong) to Taiwan in the East.[4][3] It is typically found growing in the forest understory, where the pseudostems arising from rhizomes below ground may reach 1-3m in height. In its native environment flowering occurs between August and December. It is commonly cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world as an ornamental. In China it is cultivated for use in medicine and production of aromatic oil, due to the strong characteristic fragrance of the flowers, said to be reminiscent of jasmine.[4][5] It is a perennial-green, growing in warmer climates, but may also be grown in mild winter temperate regions of North America and Europe, where it dies back in winter but re-emerges in spring. H. coronarium is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as mariposa (literally "butterfly") due to its shape. Women used to adorn themselves with these fragrant flowers in Spanish colonial times; because of the intricate structure of the inflorescence, women hid and carried secret messages important to the independence cause under it.[6] The plant has become naturalized in the cool rainy mountains in Sierra del Rosario, Pinar del Rio Province in the west, the Escambray Mountainsin the center of the island, and in the Sierra Maestrain the very east of it. butterfly shaped leaves

Sunflower

Helianthus (/ˌhiːliˈænθəs/)[3] is a genus comprising about 70 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae.[4][5] Except for three South American species, the species of Helianthus are native to North America and Central America. The common names "sunflower" and "common sunflower" typically refer to the popular annual species Helianthus annuus, whose round flower heads in combination with the ligules look like the sun.[6] This and other species, notably Jerusalem artichoke (H. tuberosus), are cultivated in temperate regions and some tropical regions as food crops for humans, cattle, and poultry, and as ornamental plants.[7] The species H. annuustypically grows during the summer and into early fall, with the peak growth season being mid-summer. Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. Much of the meaning of sunflowers stems from its namesake, the sun itself. These flowers are unique in that they have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy—attributes which mirror the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light. Sunflowers originated in the Americas in 1,000 B.C., and were then cultivated as a valuable food source for centuries. With the European exploration of the New World, the flower's popularity spread, as the rest of the world began to appreciate its beauty and sustenance. Artists throughout history loved the sunflower's unique splendor—those of the Impressionist era were especially fixated on the flower. The use of sunflower images as religious symbols has also been documented in some native societies. Wild sunflowers are often photographed with their tall stalks and bright petals stretched towards the sun. This interesting behavior, known as phototropism, inspired a motif that has appeared in many ancient works Authors and other influential figures have used sunflower symbolism to inspire them too, causing them to write encouraging words like: Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do. - Helen Keller Every friend is to the other a sun, and a sunflower also. He attracts and follows. - Jean Paul Light-enchanted sunflower, thou/ Who gazest ever true and tender/ On the sun's revolving splendour. - Pedro Calderon de la Barca The ancient Greek myth of Apollo and Clytie is one explanation of why sunflowers turn towards the sun. In this story Clytie, a nymph, adored Apollo. At first, he loved her back, but soon he fell in love with Leucothoe. Because of her jealousy, Clytie told Leucothoe's father of the relationship and he punished her by burying her alive. In anger, Apollo turned her into a flower, but even in flower form she still loved him and would spend her days watching him as he moved the sun across the sky in his chariot, just like sunflowers move to face the sun. Because of the myth of Clytie and Apollo, the sunflower most commonly means adoration and loyalty. However, sunflower meanings can vary across cultures. In China, people associate sunflowers with long life, good fortune, and vitality. To Native American groups, sunflowers represented harvest, bounty, and provision because they provided seeds, pigment, and more. The sunflower's yellow color symbolizes vitality, intelligence, and happiness. The color yellow also traditionally symbolizes friendship. Sunflowers also symbolize worship and faithfulness in various religions because of their resemblance to the sun, which is associated with spiritual knowledge and the desire to seek light and truth. The Incas used sunflowers to symbolize the Sun God, and brought them to temples for worship. The priestesses also wore sunflowers on their garments and as crowns.

Lemon lily

Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus (syn. Hemerocallis flava, known as lemon daylily, lemon lily, yellow daylily, and other names) is a plant of the genus Hemerocallis. It is found across China, in Europe in N.E. Italy and Slovenia and is one of the first daylilies used for breeding new daylily cultivars. Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus grows in big, spreading clumps, and its leaves grow to 75 cm (30 in) long. Its scapes each bear from 3 through 9 sweetly fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers.

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus is a small genus of bulbous, spring-blooming perennials.[1][2] They are fragrant flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae[3] and are commonly called hyacinths/ˈhaɪəsɪnθs/. The genus is native to the area of the eastern Mediterranean from the north of Bulgariathrough to the northern part of the region of Palestine.[4] Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous; they contain oxalic acid. Handling hyacinth bulbs can cause mild skin irritation. The hyacinth appears in the first section of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land during a conversation between the narrator and the "hyacinth girl" that takes place in the spring.[14] "You gave me hyacinths first a year ago;"They called me the hyacinth girl."—Yet when we came back, late, from the Hyacinth garden,Your arms full, and your hair wet, I could notSpeak, and my eyes failed, I was neitherLiving nor dead, and I knew nothing,Looking into the heart of light, the silence. In Roman Catholic tradition, the hyacinth represents prudence, constancy, desire of heaven and peace of mind; and is derived from the story of Hyacinthus, upon whose death the flower sprang forth Legend has it the origin of hyacinth, the highly fragrant, bell-shaped flower, can be traced back to a young Greek boy named Hyakinthos. As the story goes, two gods - Apollo the sun god, and Zephyr the god of the west wind - adored Hyakinthos and competed for his attention. One day, while Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos the art of throwing a discus, Zephyr, in a jealous rage, blew the discus back, killing Hyakinthos with a strike to the head. Apollo named the flower that grew from Hyakinthos's blood hyacinth. Symbolizing sport or play in the language of flowers, hyacinth represent constancy, while blue hyacinth expresses sincerity.

Moonflower

Ipomoea alba, sometimes called the tropical white morning-glory or moonflower or moon vine, is a species of night-blooming morning glory, native to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, from Argentina to northern Mexico, Florida[1] and Puerto Rico.[2] Though formerly classified as genus Calonyction, species aculeatum, it is now properly assigned to genus Ipomoea, subgenus Quamoclit, section Calonyction The Mesoamerican civilizations used the Ipomoea alba morning glory to convert the latex from the Castilla elastica tree to produce bouncing rubberballs. The sulfur in this morning glory served to cross-link the rubber, a process predating Charles Goodyear's discovery of vulcanization by at least 3,000 years. The flowers open quickly in the evening and last through the night, remaining open until touched by the morning sun. On overcast days, the blossoms may remain open for longer. The flowers also tend to remain open longer during cool temperatures - which may also cause the segments to snag or tear as they open. The name moonflower derives from their blooming in the evening and their being round in shape like a full moon. any of a genus (Calonyction) of tropical American, perennial twining vines of the morning-glory family, with heart-shaped leaves and large, fragrant white or purple flowers that bloom at night The beautiful and enchanting Moonflower is a nightflower that needs the dark to grow and blossom. Like other nightflowers, it uses the creatures of the night, such as moths and bats, to help with pollination. Moonflowers symbolize growth in times of disparity, persistence, and dreams (specifically dreaming of love)

Lily of the valley

Lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis (/ˌkɒnvəˈleɪriəməˈdʒeɪlɪs/),[1] sometimes written lily-of-the-valley,[2] is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell-shaped white flowers borne in sprays in spring. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere in Asia and Europe. Due to its dense content of cardiac glycosides, it is highly poisonous if consumed by humans or domestic animals.[3][4] Other names include May bells, Our Lady's tears, and Mary's tears. Its French name, muguet, sometimes appears in the names of perfumes imitating the flower's scent. In pre-modern England, the plant was known as glovewort (as it was a wortused to create a salve for sore hands), or Apollinaris (according to a legend that it was discovered by Apollo) The flowers have six white tepals (rarely pink), fused at the base to form a bell-shape, 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 in) diameter, and sweetly scented; flowering is in late spring, in mild winters in the Northern Hemisphere it is in early March. The fruit is a small orange-red berry 5-7 mm (0.2-0.3 in) diameter that contains a few large whitish to brownish colored seeds that dry to a clear translucent round bead 1-3 mm (0.04-0.12 in) wide. Plants are self-sterile, and colonies consisting of a single clone do not set seed. There are three varieties that have sometimes been separated out as distinct species or subspecies by some botanists.[10][11] Convallaria majalis var. keiskei - from China and Japan, with red fruit and bowl-shaped flowers (now widely cited as Convallaria keiskei)[8][12] C. majalis var. majalis - from Eurasia, with white midribs on the flowers C. majalis var. montana - from the United States, maybe with green-tinted midribs on the flowers[13] Like many perennial flowering plants, C. majalisexhibits dual reproductive modes by producing offspring asexually by vegetative means and by seed, produced via the fusion of gametes. Roughly 38 different cardiac glycosides(cardenolides) - which are highly toxic if consumed by humans or domestic animals - occur in the plant The lily of the valley was the national flower of Yugoslavia,[39] and it also became the national flower of Finland in 1967.[40] In the "language of flowers", the lily of the valley signifies the return of happiness.

Mallow

Malva is a genus of about 25-30 species of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the family Malvaceae (of which it is the type genus), one of several closely related genera in the family to bear the common English name mallow. The genus is widespread throughout the temperate, subtropicaland tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. The colour mauve was in 1859 named after the French name for this plant. This plant is one of the earliest cited in recorded literature. The third century BC physician Diphilus of Siphnus wrote that "[mallow] juice lubricates the windpipe, nourishes, and is easily digested."[7]Horace mentions it in reference to his own diet, which he describes as very simple: "Me pascunt olivae, / me cichorea levesque malvae" ("As for me, olives, endives, and mallows provide sustenance").[8] Lord Monboddo describes his translation of an ancient epigram that demonstrates malva was planted upon the graves of the ancients, stemming from the belief that the dead could feed on such perfect plants. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "malakos", which means "soft" or "mellow", in reference to the special qualities of the plant in softening and healing Malva symbolizes love, protectionand health. The plant is considered to be a guardian of a house. It is also a symbol of national and spiritual roots. openness: "I will tell you anything you ask"

Sun star

Ornithogalum dubium, common names sun star or star of Bethlehem,[2] is a species of flowering plantin the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. It is a South African (Cape Province) endemic. The Latin specific epithet dubium means "dubious" or "unlike others of the genus". The Star of Bethlehem plant is a spring and summer blooming bulb that produces star-shaped flowers on grass-like foliage. Native to the Mediterranean region, the Stars of Bethlehem flower grows wild across the countryside, blanketing the area with white. While they can be grown in flower beds, they are invasive and will quickly take over the bed. If you choose to grow your own Star of Bethlehem flowers, try growing them in containers to keep them under control. The Star of Bethlehem flower is associated with the birth of Christ and symbolizes the traits of Jesus. Innocence Purity Honesty Hope Forgiveness The Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a member of the hyacinthaceae family and is related to garlic and onions. It has several common names, such as Arabian flowers, field onions, wonder flowers, and dove's dung. Origin of its Scientific Name: It is thought to be the flower bulbs referred to as "Dove's Dung" in the Bible and to have derived its name from the Greek word ornithogalummeaning "bird's milk flower". But its common name has another intriguing origin. Legend of the Star of Bethlehem Flower:According to this legend, God created the Star of Bethlehem to guide the wise men to the Christ Child. Once the star's purpose was completed, God thought it was too beautiful to banish from the earth. Instead, the brilliant star burst into thousands of pieces and descended to the earth. The bits of the Star of Bethlehem gave birth to beautiful white flowers that blanketed the hillsides. They became known as the Star of Bethlehem flower.

primrose

Primula vulgaris, the common primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of southwest Asia.[2][3] The common name is primrose,[4] or occasionally common primrose or English primrose to distinguish it from other Primula species also called primroses. None of these are closely related to the evening primroses (genus Oenothera). The scientific name Primula is a diminutive of the Latin primus, "prime", alluding to the fact that this flower is among the first to appear in spring.[5] The vernacular name has the same meaning: primrose derives from a late Latin form prima rosa, consisting of prima, "first" (feminine), and rosa, "rose".[6] The Latin specific epithet vulgaris means "common", in the sense of "widespread". Both flowers and leaves are edible, the flavour ranging between mild lettuce and more bitter salad greens. The leaves can be cooked in soup but preferably with other plants because they are sometimes a little strong. The leaves can also be used for tea, and the young flowers can be made into primrose wine. In the past the whole plant and especially the root were considered to have analgesic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic and expectorant properties. It contains small amounts of saponins, and was given for colds.[19] Primula vulgaris foliage contains significant amounts of vitamin C. They also have a long associated history with fairies and were nicknamed 'fairy cups'. In English folklore, people believed that if you ate a primrose, you would see a fairy. During the Middle Ages, primroses were used to make love potions. Symbolism: "I may learn to love you, it's too soon to tell"

lilies

The flowers are large, often fragrant, and come in a wide range of colors including whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, reds and purples. Markings include spots and brush strokes. The plants are late spring- or summer-flowering The fleur-de-lis, associated primarily with French royalty, is a stylized lily flower. Lilium bulbiferum has long been recognised as a symbol of the Orange Order in Northern Ireland.[101] Lilium mackliniae is the state flower of Manipur. Lilium michauxii, the Carolina lily, is the official state flower of North Carolina. Idyllwild, California, hosts the Lemon Lily Festival, which celebrates Lilium parryi.[102] Lilium philadelphicum is the floral emblem of Saskatchewan province in Canada, and is on the flag of Saskatchewan. Lily of the valley, flame lilies, daylilies, and water lilies are symbolically important flowers commonly referred to as lilies, but they are not in the genus Lilium Lilies commonly grow in white, yellow, pink, red, and orange. White lilies symbolize purity and virtue. Pink (stargazer) lilies symbolize prosperity and abundance. Red lilies symbolize passion. Orange (tiger) lilies symbolize confidence, pride, and wealth. Yellow lilies symbolize thankfulness and desire for enjoyment. William Blake, an influential Romantic poet, wrote a poem entitled "The Lily" that encompasses its sweet and innocent beauty. The modest Rose puts forth a thorn, The humble sheet a threat'ning horn: While the Lily white shall in love delight, Nor a thorn nor a thread stain her beauty bright.

mariposa lily

The genus Calochortus includes mariposas (or mariposa lilies) with open wedge-shaped petals, globe lilies and fairy lanterns with globe-shaped flowers, and cat's ears and star tulips with erect pointed petals. The word Calochortus is derived from Greek and means "beautiful grass". Calochortus flowers have six tepals. Unlike most other Liliaceae, Calochortus tepals are in two series that differ in size and color.[7] The outer three are generally narrower and more sepal-like, while the inner three are larger, usually with bright marks at the base.[8] They may be described as petals.[9] The flowers are borne on a stem that arises from a bulb, generally in the spring or early summer. Flowers can be white, yellow, pink, purple, bluish, or streaked. The insides of the petals are often very 'hairy'. These hairs, along with the nectaries, are often used in distinguishing species from each other. The bulbs of many species were eaten by Native Americans.[16] These bulbs were eaten raw or gathered in the fall and boiled, and the flower buds when young and fresh.[16] They were eaten by the Mormon settlers between 1853 and 1858 when famine threatened new immigrants in the Great Salt Lake Valley, due to crop failures. Native Americans called Calochortus "sego". They used it as food, in ceremonies and as a traditional medicinal plant. The Mariposa Lily, a flower in the Flower Essence Society repertory, assists souls who have, in some way, been injured or neglected by their earthly mothers.

Devil's hand (Chiranthodendron Pentadactylon)

This species is native to Guatemala and southern Mexico. The ancient Aztecs and others have used solutions containing the tree's flowers as a remedy for lower abdominal pain and for heart problems. Such solutions also reduce edema and serum cholesterol levels and, because they contain the glycosides quercetin and luteolin, act as diuretics.[4] The tree is called the devil's, monkey's or Mexican hand tree or the hand-flower in English, the árbol de las manitas (tree of little hands) in Spanish, and mācpalxōchitl[2] (palm flower) in Nahuatl, all on account of its distinctive red flowers, which resemble open human hands. The scientific name means "five-fingered hand-flower tree". The species native cloud forest habitat is threatened by extremely high deforestation rates. Like other cloud forest trees, the Devil's hand tree may also become increasingly threatened by climate change. As temperatures rise, cloud forest trees will be forced to migrate up mountains slopes to find favourable conditions, leading to a gradual decline in available habitat. Restoring populations with planted seedlings and saplings offers some hope for the species. Seeds must be collected from slightly open fruits on the distal parts of the branches of the tree. The seeds may remain viable for up to seven months at 4°C and less than 12% relative humidity. Seedlings can also be obtained from seeds placed on damp soil beds with a thin litter cover.

Datura (genus) stramonium (species)

a hallucinogen used for sacred purposes in ancient China, Greece, India, and Africa Other English common names include moonflower, devil's weed and hell's bells. All species of Datura are poisonous and potentially psychoactive, especially their seeds and flowers which can cause respiratory depression, arrhythmias, fever, delirium, hallucinations, psychosis, and even death if taken internally. The name Datura is taken from Sanskrit धतूरा dhatūra 'thorn-apple', ultimately from Sanskrit धत्तूर dhattūra 'white thorn-apple' (referring to Datura metel of Asia). In the Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita different species of Datura are also referred to as kanaka and unmatta.[7] Dhatura is offered to Shiva in Hinduism. Record of this name in English dates back to 1662. Nathaniel Hawthorne refers to one type in The Scarlet Letter as apple-Peru. In Mexico, its common name is toloache. The Mexican common name toloache (also spelled tolguacha) derives from the Nahuatl tolohuaxihuitl, meaning "the plant with the nodding head" (in reference to the nodding seed capsules of Datura species belonging to section Dutra of the genus).