The botanical name of the Persian Lilac is "Melia azedarach". Persians call it "Zenar". The spelling of "Persian Lilac" in IPA phonetic transcription is /pəˈrʒən ˈlɪlək/. The phoneme /p/ represents the voiceless bilabial plosive, while /ə/ stands for the schwa sound. The phoneme /ʒ/ represents the voiced post-alveolar fricative, and /l/ represents the voiced alveolar lateral approximant. The final sound /k/ represents the voiceless velar stop.
Persian lilac, scientifically known as Syringa x persica, is a flowering deciduous shrub belonging to the olive family Oleaceae. It is a hybrid plant that is the result of crossing two species: Syringa afghanica and Syringa x laciniata. The Persian lilac is native to Afghanistan and Iran, and it is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers and pleasant fragrance.
The Persian lilac typically grows up to 2-4 meters in height, with a spreading, bushy habit. It has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged oppositely along the branches. The plant produces clusters of small, tubular, lilac-colored flowers in late spring or early summer, which can be highly fragrant. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
This shrub is highly valued for its ornamental qualities and is commonly used in gardens and landscapes as a decorative flowering plant. It is known for its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including drought and poor soil. Persian lilacs are low-maintenance plants that require minimal care, making them popular with gardeners.
The term "Persian lilac" can also refer to the specific cultivars or varieties of Syringa x persica, such as 'Persian White,' which features white flowers, or 'Lilac Sunday,' which has a compact growth habit and deep purple flowers. These variations offer diversity in flower colors and plant sizes, allowing individuals to choose the best fit for their desired landscape or garden design. Overall, Persian lilac is a delightful shrub that adds beauty, fragrance, and charm to outdoor spaces.
The etymology of the word "Persian Lilac" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Persian": The word "Persian" refers to Persia, which was an ancient kingdom located in modern-day Iran. The term "Persian" is used to describe anything related to the Persian people, language, culture, and history.
2. "Lilac": "Lilac" is a flowering plant known for its fragrant and colorful blossoms. The term "lilac" originated from the Old French word "lilac" which came from Arabic "līlak". It is believed that the Arabic term was derived from the Persian word "nilak", which means "bluish" or "pale blue".
Therefore, when combined, "Persian Lilac" refers to a type of lilac shrub that either originates from Persia or is associated with the Persians.