Dianthus

views updated May 29 2018

Dianthus (family Caryophyllaceae) A genus of mostly perennial herbs in which the calyx is tubular and enclosed tightly at the base by an epicalyx of 1–3 pairs of scales. There are 5 long-clawed petals. The fruit is a 4-toothed capsule. Many species (e.g. pinks and carnations) are grown for their beautiful, often sweet-scented flowers. There are about 300 species, found mainly in Eurasia but extending to S. Africa.

dianthus

views updated Jun 08 2018

di·an·thus / dīˈan[unvoicedth]əs/ • n. (pl. dianthuses ) a flowering plant of the pink family that belongs to the genus Dianthus, including the carnations and sweet william.