Dahlia

/ˈdæljə/ noun

Definition

A beautiful flowering plant with large colorful blooms, native to Mexico, popular in gardens and flower arrangements.

Etymology

Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl in the 1700s. The flower itself originated in Mexico, where it was called 'cocoxóchitl' by the Aztecs and used for food and ceremonies.

Kelly Says

Dahlias have roots that the Aztecs ate like potatoes, but European gardeners found them so gorgeous that they completely forgot about eating them and just grew them for flowers instead!

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