"Dahlina" is a noun that refers to a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the dahlia. The term also encompasses the species within this genus. Native to Mexico and Central America, these flowering plants are characterized by their showy and vibrant flower heads, which come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Dahlinas are herbaceous plants with tuberous roots and erect, leafy stems. The leaves are pinnate or bipinnate and can vary in shape and color. The flower heads of the dahlina are composed of multiple individual flowers densely packed together, forming a rounded or flattened cluster. Each flower, known as a floret, has a central disc surrounded by ray florets, which give the appearance of petals.
These striking ornamental plants are valued in horticulture for their attractive and long-lasting flowers, making them popular choices for gardens, parks, and floral arrangements. They bloom from summer to early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Depending on the species and cultivar, dahlinas can grow to various heights, from dwarf varieties suitable for containers and borders to tall plants suitable for backgrounds in garden beds.
The term "dahlina" is often used by gardeners, botanists, and enthusiasts to specifically refer to members of the Dahlia genus. Due to their wide diversity and popularity, dahlinas have been extensively cultivated, resulting in numerous hybrid varieties that exhibit various flower forms, sizes, and colors. These hybrids have expanded the range of options available to gardeners and created a vibrant and diverse group of plants within the dahlia family.
