Does "Monstera" Mean Monster? Unveiling the Secret Meanings Behind the Plant Names You Use Every Day
- ชนิญญา เหล่าหมวด
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Have you ever wondered? Whenever you walk into a plant shop or scroll through a feed selling tissue culture plants, why do the names seem so long, difficult to pronounce, and resemble alien secret codes? From Monstera and Philodendron to Alocasia...
For many, "Scientific Names" feel like a bitter pill that induces a headache. But in reality, if we decode these Latin letters, we discover that they are not merely labels. They are "Historical Records" concealing stories of Greek mythology, romantic characteristics, or tributes to significant historical figures.
Today, Thai Tissue invites you to step into the shoes of a linguist as we trace the origins of popular plant genera. This way, the next time you look at a plant, your appreciation will be deeper than ever before.
Monstera: The Formidable Monster
Let’s begin with the Queen of Foliage, the "Monstera." This familiar name is derived from the Latin word “Monstrum,” which translates to "Monster" or "abnormality."
The reason botanists gave it such an intimidating name wasn't because the plant is aggressive, but rather due to the characteristics of its leaves, which are "split" and "punctured with holes" (Fenestration)—a trait considered a rare abnormality in the plant kingdom.
Just imagine explorers in the 18th century wandering into a jungle and encountering gigantic leaves riddled with holes, looking as if they had been devoured by a wild beast. The name of a monster was, therefore, the most fitting title for this plant. But who could have predicted that 200 years later, this "monstrous" quality would transform into a beauty that captivates the entire world?
Philodendron: A Love Letter to the Big Trees
Let's cross over to "Philodendron," one of the most diverse genera of foliage plants. This name holds a deeply romantic meaning, derived from the combination of two Greek words: “Philo,” meaning "Love," and “Dendron,” meaning "Tree."
Together, they translate to "Tree Lover."
The reason for this name lies in its natural behavior as an "epiphytic climber." Philodendrons typically germinate on the forest floor, then slowly send out aerial roots to embrace and climb up large trees in search of sunlight. It is akin to a lover who cannot bear to be apart—a name that beautifully and vividly reflects the lifestyle of this plant.
Begonia: Dedicated to the Honorable Governor
Sometimes, plant names are not derived from physical characteristics but are an "dedication" to significant figures. Take "Begonia," for instance—a plant known for its vibrant flowers and foliage. This name was coined by the French botanist Charles Plumier to honor Michel Bégon, a French colonial governor of that era.
Michel Bégon was not a researcher himself, but he was a "Patron" who funded botanical expeditions. Naming the plant after him was a gesture of gratitude, inscribing his name into botanical history forever.
This reflects a long-standing tradition where scientists strive to discover new species, simply so they can name them after those they love or respect.
Alocasia: Not a Lotus, But an Elephant Ear
We wrap up with the popular family of Elephant Ears, "Alocasia." This name is intrinsically linked to another genus, Colocasia (commonly known as Taro). The word Colocasia is believed to have originated from the Greek word “Kolokasion,” which originally referred to the root of the Egyptian Lotus.
When botanists discovered a new group of plants that were similar in appearance but distinct in nature, they added the prefix “A-” (which in Greek means "not" or "different from") in front of Colocasia. Thus, it became Alocasia.
This carries the implicit meaning of "A plant that is similar to, but NOT, Colocasia." It is a clever piece of taxonomic wordplay that subtly indicates the close kinship between these two plant groups.
Knowing the origins of plant names may not make your plants grow any faster, but it allows us to deeply "understand" their nature and the stories behind them. The next time you say the name Philodendron, you might not just think of a green leaf; instead, you will envision a vine embracing a towering tree with love.
The world of botany is overflowing with tales waiting to be discovered. At Thai Tissue, we are not just culturing plant tissues; we are also cultivating these stories to preserve them and pass them on to your hands in the form of perfectly healthy and vigorous plants.
🌱Other Contacts🌱
☎️ : 06-4475-7495 , 08-8629-4513
Line OA : https://lin.ee/UQFnpoN
Website : https://www.thaitissues.com/
✨Channel For Ordering✨
Facebook Fanpage : ไทยทิชชู – ต้นไม้เพาะเนื้อเยื่อ ( Inbox 📩)
TikTok Shop : https://www.tiktok.com/@thaitissueshop
Shopee : https://shopee.co.th/thaitissue
Comments