Clove pink (Dianthus caryophyllus, Sp. Pl.: 410 (1753))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 410 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dianthus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Balkan Pen.

Description

Clove pink, scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, is a captivating flowering plant that holds a unique place in botanical history. This esteemed species is recognized for its vibrant and fragrant blossoms, which have garnered admiration both for their aesthetic appeal and aromatic qualities.

Native to the Balkan Peninsula, the clove pink thrives in the diverse climates of this region, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. The plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, a group renowned for its hardy and ornamental members. What sets the clove pink apart are its delicately fringed petals and the spicy, clove-like scent that it emits, making it a beloved choice in gardens and floral arrangements.

The taxonomy of Dianthus caryophyllus was first formally recorded by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, as documented in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 410. This historical reference underlines the enduring significance of the clove pink in botanical studies.

Clove pinks are perennially favored for their versatility in horticulture. They can be used in borders, rock gardens, or as standalone specimens, providing bursts of color from early summer to autumn. Their flowers, which typically bloom in shades ranging from pink to coral, have the added benefit of being long-lasting when cut, making them ideal for ornamental displays.

In addition to their visual charm, clove pinks have a storied history in perfumery and traditional medicine. Their essential oils have been extracted for centuries, used to infuse various fragrances and therapeutic concoctions with their signature scent.

In summary, the clove pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) is much more than just a pretty flower. It is a historically rich, botanically significant species that has captivated humans with its beauty and fragrance for generations, earning its rightful place in gardens and hearts worldwide.

Common Names

Eng: carnation, clove pink, border carnation, divine-flower, gilly-flower, wild carnation
Deu: edel-nelke, garten-nelke, land-nelke, nelke
Dan: have-nellike
Fra: oeillet giroflée, oeillet des fleuristes, oeillet
Spa: clavel
Por: cravo, cravo-branco
Ces: hvozdík zahradní
Hun: kerti szegfű
Swe: trädgårdsnejlika
Cym: ceinan gwyllt, clows, penigan pêr, penigan rhuddgoch, penigau pêr
En: Clove pink, Divine-flower, Gilly-flower, Border carnation, Carnation, Wild Carnation
Af: Angelier
Ar: قرنفل شائع
Hy: Ռեմոնտանտ մեխակներ
Az: Bağ qərənfili
Eu: Krabelin kultibatu
Bg: Карамфил
My: Zaw-hmwa-gyi
Ca: Clavell, Clavellina
Zh: 康乃馨, 石竹，洛阳花，康乃馨
Kw: Kurunik
Hr: Karanfil
Cs: Hvozdík zahradní
Da: Have-Nellike
Nl: Tuinanjer
Et: Aednelk
Fi: Tarhaneilikka
Fr: Oeillet, Oeillet des fleuristes, Œillet commun, Oeillet Giroflée
Gl: Caraveleira
De: Land-Nelke, Garten-Nelke, Nelke, Landnelke, Edel-Nelke
El: Γαριφαλιά
He: ציפורן הקרינפול
Hi: डायनथस कैरीओफ़िलस
Hu: Kerti szegfű
Is: Nellika
Id: Anyelir
It: Garofano coltivato
Ja: Oranda-nadeshiko
Jv: Anyelir
Ko: 카네이션
Lv: Dārza neļķes
Lt: Tikrasis gvazdikas
Mk: Градинарски каранфил
Ms: Bunga teluki
Ml: ഡയാന്തസ് കാരിയോഫില്ലസ്
Ne: कार्नेसन
No: Hagenellik
Fa: میخک قرنفلی
Pl: Goździk ogrodowy
Pt: Cravo, Cravo-branco
Qu: Kapiqantu
Ro: Garoafă
Ru: Гвоздика садовая
Sc: Gravellu
Sk: Klinček záhradný
Es: Clavel, Clavel común
Sv: Trädgårdsnejlika
Tl: Klabel
Zh-tw: 康乃馨
Ta: கானேசன்
Zh-hant: 康乃馨
Tr: Bostan karanfili
Ug: چىنىگۇل
Uk: Гвоздики садові
Cy: Penigan pêr, Ceinan Gwyllt, Clows, Penigan Rhuddgoch, Penigau Pêr

Synonyms

• Dianthus arbuscula (Lindl.)
• Dianthus kayserianus (Schur)
• Dianthus caryophyllus var. coronarius (L.)
• Dianthus acinifolius (Schur)
• Dianthus arrectus (Dumort.)
• Dianthus moschatus (J.F.Gmel.)
• Dianthus caryophyllus var. carduinus (Ser.)
• Dianthus morrisii (Hance)
• Dianthus multinervis (Vis.)
• Dianthus miniatus (A.Huet ex Nyman)
• Dianthus corsicus (Link ex Spreng.)
• Dianthus caryophyllus subsp. coronarius ((L.) Bonnier)
• Tunica caryophyllus ((L.) Scop.)
• Dianthus coronarius ((L.) Burm.f.)
• Silene caryophylla ((L.) E.H.L.Krause)
• Caryophyllus tunica (Garsault)
• Tunica morrisii ((Hance) Walp.)
• Dianthus caryophyllus var. wakefieldii (C.Morren)
• Dianthus caryophyllus f. intermedius (Pamp.)
• Dianthus caryophyllus var. minor (Gray)
• Dianthus binatus (Schur)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Greece (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Mat Ord (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Gilles Istin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Hélène (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2021 by Spene Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Alboss (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by nbx (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − sebastian lyche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 28, 2021 by tiziana taula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Antoine le Clercq (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by pumba akuna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2022 by Lucie Marsakova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2020 by Suarez Ana Paula (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085420)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:153205-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth