Gardenia

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Starr 030523-0050 Gardenia brighamii

White Gardenia flower

Gardenia Flower

Gardenia psidioides flower

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Tiare maori

Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and the Pacific Islands. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730–1791), a Scottish-born American naturalist. Gardenias are widely appreciated for their beautiful and fragrant white or yellow flowers and glossy, dark green leaves.

Description

Gardenias are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1–15 meters tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three or four, 5–50 centimeters long and 3–25 centimeters broad, dark green, and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or yellow, with a tubular-based corolla with 5–12 lobes (petals) from 5 to 12 centimeters diameter. Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer. Many species have a strong scent, which is highly valued in some cultures.

Cultivation and Uses

Gardenias are popular ornamental plants, grown for their attractive foliage and strongly fragrant flowers. They are used in gardens and parks and as houseplants. They require warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive and prefer well-drained, acidic soil with plenty of organic matter. Gardenias are susceptible to pests and diseases like aphids, spider mites, and fungal infections, which can be managed with proper care and treatment.

In addition to their ornamental use, gardenias have various applications in traditional medicine and are used to make perfume and tea. The fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, for example, is used in Chinese medicine to treat fever, inflammation, and liver disorders.

Species

There are over 140 species of Gardenia. Some of the most well-known include:

• Gardenia jasminoides (Cape jasmine or common gardenia), widely cultivated for its fragrant white flowers and as a traditional medicinal plant.
• Gardenia thunbergia, known for its large, white, solitary flowers and woody fruit.
• Gardenia taitensis, also known as Tahitian Gardenia or Tiare flower, used to make monoi oil, a perfumed oil used in Polynesian culture.

Cultural Significance

Gardenias have various symbolic meanings around the world. In China, they are associated with purity and are used in weddings. In France, they were a symbol of secret love and were popular in corsages during the 19th century. In Japan, gardenias are symbols of peace and harmony.

Conservation

Some Gardenia species are considered at risk due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these species in their natural habitats and through cultivation in botanical gardens and arboreta.

Gallery

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See Also

• Floriculture
• Ornamental plant
• List of Gardenia species

References

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