Definition

A type of tropical plant known for its shiny green leaves and large, sweet-smelling flowers, often white or yellow in color.

Example

She planted a gardenia in her backyard to enjoy its beautiful fragrance.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a gardenia flower up close?

Yes, they smell amazing!

I want to plant some gardenia bushes in my yard this spring.

That sounds like a great idea; they will really brighten up the space!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gardenia → It is named after the Scottish botanist Alexander Garden, and the suffix '-ia' is a common Latin ending used in taxonomy to denote a genus or group. The word 'gardenia' refers to a genus of flowering plants named in honor of Garden.

Memory Tip

Think of the name 'Garden' in 'Gardenia' as a tribute to a botanist, which helps you remember that gardenias are beautiful flowering plants.

Visually Confused Words