Daisy
The long day I shope me for to abide,
For nothing els, and I shall nat lie,
But for to looke upon the daisie,
That well by reason men it call may
The daisie, or els the eye of the day,
The empress and floure of floures all,
I pray to God that faire mote she fall,
And all that loven floures for her sake.
Chaucer, The legend of good women
Daisy is the common name of many species of similar appearance, but the best known is Bellis perennis, the common or English daisy. Its name, as Chaucer makes clear, derives from the Old English dæġes ēaġe, or day’s eye, because it opens by day and closes at night. The daisy is native to western, central and northern Europe, but has become naturalised in temperate climates all over the world. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a delight to the eye or an invasive weed. The larger varieties, with white, pink and red flowers up to six centimetres across, are grown as biennial bedding plants. The plant has also been known as woundwort and bruisewort. In Roman times, army surgeons would take sacks of daisies into battle, extract the juice, and use this to soak bandages. As a birth flower for April, the daisy is associated with purity and innocence.
Lathyrus odoratus: Its English and Latin names give an inkling of the heady pleasures that await. A native of southern Europe, it was first sent to England from Italy by a monk, Franciscus Cupani, in the seventeenth century. The sweet pea was a relatively undistinguished plant, and we have one man to thank for its spectacular diversity and popularity: Henry Eckford, a Scottish gardener who rescued it from obscurity in the late 19th century and cultivated over a hundred varieties. These range from pale pinks and violets to vivid reds and blues. Breeders have created bicolour and streaked patterns, and picotees, whose edges are a different colour to the rest of the flower. You may even find shifters, which change colour as they age in the vase: Turquoise Lagoon, for example, shifts from pink to blue. The sweet pea is one of the birth flowers for April. It is particularly associated with pleasure, and also with saying goodbye.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of botanical wonders, I find great joy in sharing my extensive knowledge about flowers and their rich cultural history. My expertise extends to the nuances of language, literature, and the fascinating realm of plants. In the context of the provided excerpt, let's delve into the concepts and botanical delights mentioned:
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Chaucer's Daisies: The reference to Chaucer's work, "The Legend of Good Women," reflects a profound understanding of literary history. Chaucer, a medieval English poet, immortalized the daisy in his writings, associating it with the title "eye of the day" or "day's eye" due to its habit of opening during the day and closing at night.
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Bellis Perennis - The Common Daisy: The mention of Bellis perennis as the common or English daisy showcases botanical expertise. This flower is known for its wide distribution in western, central, and northern Europe, while also adapting and naturalizing in temperate climates globally. The daisy's dichotomy as either a charming sight or an invasive weed is a testament to its adaptability and diverse perceptions.
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Daisy's Varied Uses: The historical use of daisies in Roman times as a medicinal plant highlights the practical applications of botanical knowledge. The extraction of juice for bandages during battles demonstrates the multifaceted nature of plants, serving both aesthetic and utilitarian purposes.
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Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus): The inclusion of Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, unveils a keen awareness of floral diversity. Originating from southern Europe, sweet peas gained popularity in England thanks to the efforts of a Scottish gardener named Henry Eckford. His cultivation of over a hundred varieties, showcasing a spectrum of colors and patterns, emphasizes the human impact on floral evolution.
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Symbolism of Sweet Pea: Recognizing sweet pea as one of the birth flowers for April indicates an understanding of floral symbolism. Sweet peas, associated with pleasure and farewells, hold cultural significance beyond their aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, my passion for botany intertwines with a comprehensive understanding of literary references, historical uses, and the symbolic meanings associated with flowers. If you have further inquiries or wish to explore more facets of the botanical world, feel free to engage in this verdant conversation.
