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Quest for the True Identity of Gardenia: Why is it Mistakenly Called Jasmine?
Gardenia jasminoides is widely loved for its rich fragrance and pure white petals. However, many places mistakenly call it jasmine. What is the root of this misunderstanding? As a common ornamental plant, gardenia has a long history of widespread planting and cultivation, but the elucidation of its true identity is often overlooked.
Characteristics and distribution of Gardenia
Gardenia is an evergreen shrub, typically 1 to 3 meters tall, that grows in tropical and subtropical regions and is native to forest edges in East and Southeast Asia. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces large, fragrant white flowers in summer and fall. The flowers change color to a creamy yellow over time and have a long-lasting fragrance, making them a favorite among flower lovers.
Gardenia flowers are among the most fragrant of all flowers, with a strong aroma that often attracts a variety of insects in summer.
The root of misnomer
Gardenia is called "jasmine" mainly because its flowers look similar to true jasmine. As early as 1759, Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named the plant Gardenia florida, but this name was based on erroneous speculation. Confusion caused by this painting by botanist Georg Dionysius Ehret led later people to mistakenly believe that this was a type of jasmine.
True jasmine belongs to a different family (Oleaceae), while gardenia belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae). Although the two are similar in some characteristics, their plant taxonomy belongs to different systems.
Cultural Background
Gardenia has unique meanings in different cultures. In some Asian countries, gardenias are used as offerings in religious ceremonies, especially in Buddhist temples. Its aroma is considered a symbol of spiritual purification. Additionally, in Japan, the legs of traditional Go and Shogi chessboards are carved into the shape of gardenia fruits, symbolizing the players' silence during the game.
"In Meitai culture, gardenia is regarded as a symbol of love and is often used as a gift of affection."
Cultivation and Application
The cultivation history of Gardenia in China can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, and it is widely used in horticulture and traditional medicine. The petals are edible and are even used to make tea in some parts of China, with a wonderful aroma. Gardenia fruit is considered to have anti-inflammatory and heat-clearing and detoxifying properties in traditional Chinese medicine and is used in many traditional herbal medicines.
Conclusion
In today's society, the names of plants are often complex and changeable due to cultural and historical factors. Therefore, understanding and appreciating the true identity of plants such as gardenia can not only help us better connect with nature, but also allow us to have a deeper understanding of nature. Think about the role and significance of plants in our lives. Should every plant be understood and named correctly to reflect its true beauty and characteristics?
