Ardisia

/ɑrˈdɪʒə/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical and subtropical flowering plants in the primrose family, commonly cultivated as ornamental houseplants.

Etymology

From New Latin, possibly derived from a word meaning 'pointed' referring to the plant's sharp leaf characteristics, or from Arabic origins through scientific nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Ardisia is a perfect example of how Victorian home gardeners drove botanical naming—this tropical plant became popular in parlors across Europe, so botanists needed to give it a fancy scientific name.

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