Choisya

/ˈtʃɔɪziə/ noun

Definition

A genus of ornamental shrubs with fragrant white flowers, native to Mexico.

Etymology

Named after Jacques Denys Choisy (1799-1859), a Swiss botanist and naturalist. Named in his honor following the Linnaean tradition of naming plants after scientists.

Kelly Says

Choisya ternata is called 'Mexican orange blossom' but it's actually not an orange—the name tricks your nose into smelling citrus when you're really smelling a clever chemical disguise that attracts completely different pollinators.

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