Dianthus caryophyllus

Dianthus caryophyllus (daɪˈænθəs_ˌkɛəɹiəˈfɪləs ), commonly known as the carnation or clove pink, is a species of Dianthus native to the Mediterranean region. Its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive cultivation over the last 2,000 years. Carnations are prized for their vibrant colors, delicate fringed petals, and enchanting fragrance. The scent of carnations is often described as spicy, clove-like, or reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg, hence the common name "clove pink." This delightful aroma has made carnations a popular choice for use in perfumes, Potpourri, and scented products. They have cultural significance and are associated with love, distinction, and motherly affection. With numerous cultivars and hybrids, carnations offer a wide variety of colors and forms, making them popular for gardens, floral arrangements, and scented products. Overall, carnations are enduring symbols of beauty and grace, treasured by flower enthusiasts and used to convey heartfelt emotions. 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"). The name "carnation" is believed to come from the Latin corona-ae, a "wreath, garland, chaplet, crown," as it was one of the flowers used in Greek and Roman ceremonial crowns, or possibly from the Latin caro (genitive carnis), "flesh," which refers to the natural colour of the flower, or in Christian iconography incarnatio, "incarnation," God made flesh in the form of Jesus. Carl Linnaeus described the carnation in volume one of his Species Plantarum in 1753, giving it the name Dianthus caryophyllus, 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. Dianthus caryophyllus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to tall.