Eucalyptus Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The eucalyptus flower blossoms from a genus of blooming trees and shrubs in the myrtaceae family. There are about 700 species in this large genus, most of which can be found growing in Australia, but may also be seen in areas of Indonesia and New Guinea. Although eucalyptus plants are generally prized for their aromatic leaves, the actual flowers are considered very distinctive and appealing in their own right. The heads of these blooms do not bear separate petals, but – in their early stages – consist of an operculum, which is a cap made up of fused petals or sepals which cover a mass of stamens. In later stages, the cap will pull back and reveal these stamens, which develop a fluffy texture, and may be seen in hues of red, yellow, cream and white. Aside from the eucalyptus perriniana and the eucalyptus cinerea trees, most species will not begin flowering until their foliage reaches a mature stage.

The name eucalyptus was given to this plant around the year of 1777, when David Nelson brought back a specimen of eucalypt – a common title that is shared between three similar genera of eucalyptus – which he discovered in southern Tasmania. Upon seeing this plant, French botanist Charles L’Héritier de Brutelle named the plant eucalyptus obliqua from the Greek root words eu and calyptos, meaning “well covered.” The Greek root words were used to describe the flower’s operculum, while obliqua was derived from the Latin word “oblique,” which is a reference to an asymmetrical leaf formation. The eucalyptus flower and its tree are all said to be very useful. It is well known that the leaves of these trees can be used to create a strong medicinal oil that has been used by Australian Aborigines for many centuries. This oil is said to be a potent disinfectant, antifungal and antibacterial, and is also frequently used to sooth and treat a number of respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis and common chest colds. The flowers themselves are said to be very important to common pollinators, and produces a rich, slightly menthol-flavored honey, which is also said to be very healthful. The properties of this honey are actually quite similar to those of the oil; however, this mildly-sweet syrup can be taken both internally and externally, and can be used for nearly everything – from respiratory troubles to arthritis.

Given its history and its many medicinal uses, it is not surprising to find that the eucalyptus flower and tree are symbols of both protection and healing. As a gift, these flowers are frequently given as “get well” gifts, or to show the giver’s desire to shield the recipient from harm. Although these blossoms make great and unusual gifts all by themselves, it would not be a bad idea to include not only an arrangement of flowers, but an entire gift basket of eucalyptus-themed products, such as the oil and honey.

Dogwood Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

Dogwood flowers are of the genus Cornus – a cosmopolitan plant that is mostly made up of deciduous trees and shrubs – which consists of 30 to 50 different species, and is in the family cornaceae. The head of the dogwood appears in a small cluster which is surrounded by four large bracts, or modified leaves, and tends to be about 2 inches in diameter when in full bloom. Traditionally, the dogwood comes in a white hue; however, they may also occasionally be seen in pink, yellow and red. Many species of dogwood flowers have opposite leaves, while just a handful may have alternate leaves. All dogwoods carry fleshy stone fruit, but only a few are edible to humans – others, though, may be faintly toxic.

Dogwood flowers have found their way into a good deal of legend, and have also long been touted for their many uses. One of the better known legends – which is still of unknown origin – states that the dogwood plant was once the size of an oak tree, and was considered one of the largest trees in Jerusalem. The bark of the dogwood was used as timber for crucifixions, and from one such cross Jesus was hanged. The trees, though, felt the pain of all that were hanged from them, so Jesus took pity on the poor plant and said, “Because of your regret for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross.” And so the tree shrank to the petite size that it is today. Another myth tells of a Native American princess who was killed by a jealous brave whom she had scorned. As she lay bleeding, she blotted her wounds with the petals of the dogwood flower. Because of this – according to the story – many of the blossoms carry trace amounts of red on their petals. As for their variety of uses, early American settlers used slivers of the bark to clean small crevices of watches and lenses – they also used it to create tools such as hammers, knitting needles and even printer’s blocks. American Indians used the bark to fashion arrows, and the spring blossoms to predict the time to begin planting their crops.

In North America, dogwood flowers are considered an all encompassing religious symbol. These flowers are often given as gifts for holidays – especially Easter – as the four bracts can represent the four points of the cross; small indentations along the outer edge of the bracts represent the marks left by the nails; the spiky yellow and green flowers at center are related to the crown of thorns, and the fruit is indicative of the blood of Jesus. These flowers may also be given for a number of other symbols, such as sacrifice, regeneration, and enduring love.

Dieffenbachia Plant - Pictures & Meanings

The dieffenbachia plant is a small genus in the araceae family and aroideae subfamily. These tropical plants are best known for their unique foliage which consists of variegated, oblong leaves and fleshy stems. In color, their apexed leaves are medium green with either yellow or cream centers – depending upon the species – and deep green outlines. Their flowers – which are made up of a spadix that is well concealed by a green spathe – are highly subtle, and often go unnoticed. Dieffenbachia, which is native to South America, grows its best in rich, thoroughly moistened soil, and can thrive in low sunlight.

The dieffenbachia plant is unquestionably one of the most common house plants around. This is not surprising, as they are not only interesting in appearance, but easy to care for as well. Despite its over 150 years of domesticity, the dieffenbachia is still considered a highly poisonous plant. When damaged, this plant releases a sap that is filled with raphides – or needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that contain sharp barbs – which can cause a number of unfortunate effects such as a burning sensation or paralysis of the lips, tongue and jaw; intestinal upsets; redness, itching and skin rashes. These results can occur in both humans and animals, so most dieffenbachia enthusiasts know to keep these plants on high shelves. The toxicity of the dieffenbachia plant first came to light when the ancient physician, Dioscorides, highlighted it in one of his many medical texts. In spite of this, the plant was touted for its positive effects. For example, during the 18th century, dieffenbachia was boiled in wine as a treatment for gout; in the 19th century, it was thought to be a highly effective curative for impotence and edema.

Because the dieffenbachia plant has such a pernicious history, it is easy to identify it with caution. As a gift you may very well be telling the recipient that although the outside of a situation may be beautiful, the inside may be harmful. On the other hand, these plants can also have a more positive expression and are often presented as a welcoming gesture, or simply to let the recipient know that they are being thought of with fondness.

Delphinium Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The name of the delphinium flower is derived from the Latin word for dolphin; this is due to the long, sleek appearance of the unopened flower. Delphiniums are a genus of around 300 species in the ranunculaceae family. These flower stems grow from 4 inches to roughly 7 feet in height, the blossoms of which sprout from a raceme and consist of five sepals that grow together and form a hollow bowl shape with a spur at the tip, while four delicate petals grow at the center. These blossoms traditionally come in bright, creamy white, dainty pink, and a marvelous purple blue combination; however, some of the highbred flowers can be seen in shocking reds, oranges and yellows.

The delphinium flower has an interesting story in both real life and in myth. During the early 20th century Frank Reinelt – who was once the head gardener for the Romanian Queen, Marie – relocated to the United States and started his own nursery. In his gardens he began hybridizing delphiniums, and by the 1930s he had fathered one of the more popular breeds, the Pacific Giant. In Greek mythology the delphinium flower was said to have blossomed from the blood of Aias – or Ajax – and the petals were inscribed with the word ai, ai – or alas, alas. The delphinium may also be noted for its uses. Although these flowers, when consumed in large quantities, can be poisonous, many still feel that they have some very potent medicinal uses. The most commonly used flower is the delphinium staphisagria, which is thought to be helpful in curing diseases or irritations of the reproductive system, as well as aiding in mental and acute respiratory ailments. These flowers may also be used to repel pests such as lice, and are thought to have a curative effect on scorpion stings.

The delphinium flower is said to represent big-heartedness and the essence of divine qualities. They are also meant to symbolize levity, fun and a general sense of joy. As a gift, these flowers can brighten up any arrangement, be it fresh or dried. Given their general meaning of warmth and buoyancy, it is not surprising that these blossoms are also representative of summery July births.

Dandelion Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The dandelion flower is recognizable to just about everyone. This is due to the fact that although these small plants are native to Europe and Asia, at least two of their species can be found growing wild all around the world. The dandelion flower is a member of the asteraceae family and, as is common with other members of this line, has a single head that is composed of several smaller, yellow ray flowers. The foliage for this flower is generally lobed, dark green and hairless. The distinctive lance shape of the leaves were the inspiration for its name – the Old French dent-de-lion, which means lion’s tooth. The stems of these flowers are hollow and, when broken, seep a thick, faintly white sap.

Since the entire dandelion flower is perfectly edible, many people over time have used this plant for both culinary and medicinal purposes. When dried and steeped in hot water, these flowers can make a superb diuretic, and are also thought to help in eliminating kidney stones. The milky sap is considered very effective with skin conditions, and can aid in diminishing warts. The flower heads can be eaten uncooked in salads or mixed with vegetables, and the roots may be dried and brewed as a substitute for coffee. There are also many myths and superstitions surrounding the dandelion flower. Two contradictory superstitions state that if you blow on the dried flower ball, the number of seeds that remain can either tell you how many children you will have, or how many more years you will live. If all of the seeds come off, however, you will be granted a wish. In folk myths, the dandelion has been used to tell time and predict the weather. In these stories, the number of times it takes you to blow away all of the seeds from a single flower is the exact hour of the day. The weather, on the other hand, is dependent upon whether or not the head of the flower opens in the morning.

As a symbol, the dandelion flower is the ultimate emblem for persistence and a strong will. It is also thought to represent wishes coming true, cheerful love, and general happiness. As a gift, these small, delicate flowers are certainly unique. Although uncommon, it is possible to give these to someone as a potted plant; however, they are best given freshly clipped and presented as a single yellow flower, so as to represent a sweet, innocent affection; or in its more downy form, encouraging the recipient to make a wish

Daisy Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

One of the most common and popular types of flower is the daisy, which is part of the asteraceae family that also includes asters and sunflowers. (This is actually the second largest family of flowers with more than 1,600 genera and upwards of 23,000 species, including the common daisy, the African daisy, the painted daisy, the crown daisy, and the marguerite daisy.) It is believed that the flower’s name came from a combination of the words “day’s eye,” because the head of the daisy, unlike many flowers, closes completely at night and reopens in the morning.

The meanings associated with daises are all positive and include purity and innocence. Because they are commonly occurring flowers (daisies can grow practically anywhere, but do best in temperate climates), most of us have memories from childhood of picking daisies for bouquets or making daisy chains to wear as necklaces and crowns. For this reason, they are commonly linked to memories of youth and the innocent feelings of young love.

In addition to being a popular decorative plant among gardeners, daisies are incredibly popular as cut flowers, as well. (When giving fresh flowers as gifts, only roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tulips are more popular.) In particular, gerbera daisies make a great bouquet, especially when trying to communicate pure, innocent love. Gerbera daisies grow in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, and white. Some daisies of this species even boast petals of multiple colors, black centers, and brightly colored markings on the tips of its florets. For this reason, gerbera daisies are especially popular among birds, bees, and butterflies, which are attracted to their vibrant appearance. Speaking of the birds and the bees, if they love gerbera daisies, imagine how much your sweetheart will appreciate a beautiful bouquet of these flowers!

Dahlia Flowers - Pictures & Meanings

The dahlia flower – named after the 18th century botanist Anders Dahl – is from the genus asteraceae and has more than 30 species within its family. Dahlias are native mostly to Mexico, but actually grow best in cooler temperatures with regular moisture in the soil. These remarkable flowers can range in size, shape and color. The plants themselves can start out at a moderate 12 inches tall, while other variations may grow several feet in height. The flowers are quite the same, beginning at a very petite 1 inch around, all the way to, roughly, the size of a dinner plate. As for color, the dahlia flower has a vast array of hues that can range from bronze, to white, to purple. However, many dahlias may also be bi colored, variegated, or separated into classifications of light or dark blends – the light blend being multiple shades of faint pastels, the dark blend being more muted.

Over time, people have attempted to use dahlia flowers for a variety things. For instance, in 1929 a herbal script that was written in Latin, and was dated as far back as 1550 was discovered. This script recommended the usage of the dahlia flower for the easing of symptoms of epilepsy. In Europe in the 1880s, when disease had ravaged potato crops, an attempt was made to use the tubers of the dahlia as a supplemental food supply. However, as time passed, it was found that, although perfectly edible, these plants were better used for decorative purposes. Today, dahlias are prized solely for their beauty. This is best noted in one of the many competitions and shows that can be found mostly within the United States and Canada. These are often held by dahlia growing societies, which advocate and encourage avid gardeners to grow these spectacular blossoms.

As a symbol, the dahlia flower can offer a great deal of meaning. In general, they are thought to symbolize dignity and elegance, but they are also thought to express an eternal bond between two people. Many people prefer to give dahlia flowers as anniversary gifts, as these flowers are also an emblem for the 14th year of marriage. They also make great gifts for high-profile weddings and even engagement parties, as they not only represent dignity, but a wish that the couple remains strong throughout their years together.