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Gardenia

A gardenia is a genus comprising over 140 species of shrubs and trees belonging to the madder family (Rubiaceae). These plants are native to tropical and…

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Three open white Cape jasmine flowers and two yellow-green buds surrounded by glossy dark green leaves.
Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) in flower. © Yangchao/Dreamstime.com / Encyclopædia Britannica

What is Gardenia?

A gardenia is a genus comprising over 140 species of shrubs and trees belonging to the madder family (Rubiaceae). These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific islands.12

The most well-known species is the Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides), which is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its highly fragrant, showy white or yellow flowers. Botanically, gardenias are characterized by their glossy evergreen leaves and large, berrylike fruits that contain a sticky orange pulp. The genus was named in honor of the Scottish naturalist Alexander Garden.12

Cape jasmine (Gardenia augusta).
Cape jasmine (Gardenia augusta). Image: A to Z Botanical Collection/Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. / Encyclopædia Britannica

What are some tips for growing gardenias indoors?

Sorry, the Britannica knowledge base does not contain specific horticultural tips for growing gardenias indoors.

How did the gardenia get its name?

The gardenia genus was named in honor of the Scottish naturalist Alexander Garden (1730–1791). The name is derived from New Latin, specifically recognizing his contributions to the study of natural history.2

What other plants belong to the madder family?

The Rubiaceae family, commonly known as the madder family, is a diverse group of flowering plants comprising over 13,150 species. These plants range from herbs and shrubs to trees and are found primarily in tropical regions.

The family includes several plants of significant economic and medicinal importance, as well as many popular ornamentals:

  • Economically Important Species:
    • Coffea: The source of coffee beans.
    • Cinchona: Known for producing quinine.
    • Carapichea ipecacuanha: The source of ipecac.
    • Mitragyna speciosa: Known as kratom.
    • Uncaria gambir: Used in tanning.
    • Rubia tinctorum: The common madder, historically used for red dye.
  • Ornamental Plants:
    • Gardenia
    • Ixora
    • Bouvardia
    • Buttonbush (Cephalanthus)
    • Bluets (Houstonia)
    • Nertera and Crucianella
  • Other Notable Genera:
    • Galium: Includes bedstraw and cleavers.
    • Mitchella: Includes the partridgeberry.
    • Myrmecodia: Known for its symbiotic relationship with ants.

Sources

  1. gardenia — Encyclopædia Britannica
  2. gardenia — Merriam-Webster
  3. Rubiaceae — Encyclopædia Britannica
  4. Rubiaceae — Merriam-Webster
  5. madder — Encyclopædia Britannica

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