Tiare
Tiare, or Gardenia, is a captivating, white flower with a luscious aroma that intensifies during dusk. All of the, approximately, 200 species of Gardenia are native to tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Tiare blossoms are a crisp white or pale yellow, which contrast beautifully with their dark green leaves. Their fragrance is strong and exotically sweet.
The word Tiare for the Gardenia tahitensis has its origin in Tahiti. In Vanuatu the plant is called Neace-ya-vat; the Fijian name is Mbua; and in Tonga it is called Siale.
Tiare, which is in flower all year round, is the national flower of Tahiti and it is here where one can venture up the slopes of sacred Mount Temehani to catch a glimpse of the rare Tiare Apetahi, a flower which can be found nowhere else on earth. Its even, snow-white flowers contrast with the dark green of glossy smooth-edged leaves.
Their unique strong and sweet perfume is reminiscent of gardenia and tuberose flowers, with some aspects of apple-tree flowers. They are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1-15 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three or four, 5-50 cm long and 3-25 cm broad, dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or pale yellow.
In the Victorian era, people would convey a secret message to their lover by sending a bouquet of flowers; sending Gardenias meant “ecstasy”, “you’re lovely” and “I secretly love you”.
Tiare, or Gardenia, is a captivating, white flower with a luscious aroma that intensifies during dusk. All of the, approximately, 200 species of Gardenia are native to tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Tiare blossoms are a crisp white or pale yellow, which contrast beautifully with their dark green leaves. Their fragrance is strong and exotically sweet.
The word Tiare for the Gardenia tahitensis has its origin in Tahiti. In Vanuatu the plant is called Neace-ya-vat; the Fijian name is Mbua; and in Tonga it is called Siale.
Tiare, which is in flower all year round, is the national flower of Tahiti and it is here where one can venture up the slopes of sacred Mount Temehani to catch a glimpse of the rare Tiare Apetahi, a flower which can be found nowhere else on earth. Its even, snow-white flowers contrast with the dark green of glossy smooth-edged leaves.
Their unique strong and sweet perfume is reminiscent of gardenia and tuberose flowers, with some aspects of apple-tree flowers. They are evergreen shrubs and small trees growing to 1-15 m tall. The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three or four, 5-50 cm long and 3-25 cm broad, dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or pale yellow.
In the Victorian era, people would convey a secret message to their lover by sending a bouquet of flowers; sending Gardenias meant “ecstasy”, “you’re lovely” and “I secretly love you”.
