Cinerarias

Part of speech: noun, plural

Definitions

1. A group of ornamental flowering plants belonging to the genus characterized by their daisy-like blossoms and silvery foliage; clusters of such plants often cultivated for decorative purposes; multiple species within this genus known for their vibrant colors and garden appeal
2. Various species of herbaceous or perennial plants recognized for their attractive blooms and gray-green leaves used in horticulture; several kinds grown for visual enhancement in landscapes; collection of related flowering plants valued in ornamental gardening
3. Several types of plants with notable silver-hued leaves and colorful flowers, commonly grouped under a botanical category; cultivated varieties used widely in floral decoration; a number of species known for their ornamental garden features

Etymology: "Cinerarias" is the plural of "cineraria," the name of a genus of flowering plants, and the genus name is Latin for "ashen" or "ash-coloured," a nod to the soft grey down that covers many of its leaves. The plants themselves are mostly native to Africa, and the familiar garden cineraria, prized for its dense clusters of daisy-like blooms in strong blues, purples and reds, comes from a different group of species than the grey-leaved ones the genus name describes. The plural simply counts several kinds of these plants, or several plants of the same kind, so the form carries no separate history of its own. The name passed into English as a botanical term, the way most plant genus names did, rather than as a word with an everyday life first.

Synonyms: dusty miller, Senecio plants, ornamental plants