Carnation or Pink Clove

Carnation is a double flowered cultivated variety of clove pink with grey green leaves and showy pink or white colour. Its scientific name is Dianthus caryophyllus, Greek term meaning the flower of gods. 

Origin: The wild carnation is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is found across globe due to cultivation. It was found growing spontaneously, and its early cultivation history is debated. It is found in (1) Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardania, Greece, Albania and Croatia; (2) Western Asia: Turkey and parts of Balkan Peninsula (3) Colombia is its leading exporter. (4) Netherlands is its global hub for auction trade.

While not native to India, carnations are widely cultivated in India: In regions with cooler climate - Shimla, Kulu, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Highrange Kerala, Bangalore, Ooty and Nilgiris.

It is the official flower for Mother's day. They are the National flower of Spain, Monaco, and Slovenia.

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