Peony

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{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Peony | image = Paeonia rockii.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Paeonia rockii | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Saxifragales | familia = Paeoniaceae | genus = Paeonia | genus_authority = L. | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = See text }}

The peony or paeony (Paeonia) is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. Most are herbaceous perennials 0.5-1.5m tall, but some are woody shrubs up to 2-3m tall. They produce large, often fragrant flowers in shades of red to white or yellow in late spring and early summer. They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America. In the past, the Peonies were often classified as a tribe of the Ranunculaceae, along with Helleboreae and Anemoneae.

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Species

Species of peony include:

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Symbolism and uses

The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture. Along with the plum, it is a traditional floral symbol of China, where it is called 牡丹 (mǔ dān). In 1903, the Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower. Currently, the Republic of China on Taiwan designates the plum blossom as the national flower, while the People's Republic of China has no legally designated national flower. In 1994, the peony was proposed as the national flower after a nationwide poll, but the National People's Congress failed to ratify the selection. In 2003, another selection process has begun, but to date, no choice has been made.

The famous ancient Chinese city Luoyang has a reputation as a cultivation centre for the peonies. Throughout Chinese history, peonies in Luoyang are often said to be the finest in the country. Dozens of peony exhibitions and shows are also annually held there.

In Japan its name is "Ebisugusuri" "medicine from China"; it is regarded by many Japanese as the king of flowers and is cultivated assiduously. In traditional folk medicine, peony root was used as a treatment for menstrual cramps, asthma and convulsions.

The peony is also the State flower of Indiana. In 1957, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law to make the peony the state flower of Indiana. It replaced the zinnia, which had been the state flower since 1931.

Peonies are also extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers.

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Sources, References and External links

Template:Commons

Peony flower

A cultivated hybrid peony

A cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora

1800s botanical drawing of a single-flowered peony

Paeonia lutea

Paeonia officinalis double-flowered cultivar

Paeonia lactiflora cultivar

Paeonia suffruticosa

bg:Божур

de:Pfingstrosen es:Paeoniaceae fr:Pivoine it:Paeonia lt:Bijūniniai augalai ja:牡丹 no:Peonfamilien pl:Piwoniowate sr:Божур fi:Pionit sv:Pioner zh:芍药属

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