Pink, the popular flower, belongs to the genus ‘Dianthus’ and the family of ‘Caryophyllaceae’. The Latin name of the flower is ‘dianthus plumaris’. The flower has five petals with frills at its margin and, contradictory to its name, the colour varies from white, purple, red to pale and dark pink. It is speculated that the name ‘pink’ may have originated from the colour of the flower. However, the precise origin of the name is largely unknown and it is generally assumed that the name has originated from the frilled margins of the flower which look as though they are cut with pinking shears.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant which is grown both annually and biennially. The simple leaves are arranged in the opposite directions and are of grey-green to blue-green colour. It is found mainly in Europe and Asia, where one can find many different varieties of the pink flower. One of them is called ‘ornamental pink’, not because it is particularly decorative but because it has a distinct fragrance which smells like spice. In the olden times, pink was used as flavouring in wine and beer. In modern times it is extensively used in the production of perfumes.

Due to its exquisite look, pink is primarily used as an ornamental garden flower. A favourite species called the ‘clove pink’ is popularly known as the ‘carnation’ when it is cultivated in double form. They are generally used as cut flowers for decorative purposes.