The discovery of the dahlia can be attributed to Francisco Hernandez, who was sent by King Phillip II of Spain to study the natural resources of Mexico in 1570. Hernandez’s mission was to document and describe the plants and animals of the region, and during his research, he came across plants that resembled what we now know as dahlia species.
In his findings, Hernandez referred to these plants by two names – Acocotli and Cocoxochitl. These names were given based on the indigenous Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs, who were the inhabitants of Mexico at that time. It is interesting to note that the first drawings of these plants were not published until much later, in 1651, by an associate of Hernandez.
The discovery of the dahlia by Hernandez is significant because it marked the introduction of this beautiful flower to the rest of the world. Prior to Hernandez’s findings, the dahlia was unknown outside of Mexico. The dahlia’s vibrant colors and intricate petal formations made it a prized botanical discovery.
Personally, as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have always been fascinated by the stories behind the discovery of different plants. It amazes me how explorers like Hernandez ventured into unknown territories, studying and documenting the natural world. Their findings not only enriched our knowledge but also introduced us to the beauty and diversity of plants from different regions.
In the case of the dahlia, I find it intriguing that it took almost a century for Hernandez’s drawings to be published. This highlights the challenges faced by early explorers in sharing their discoveries with the wider world. Imagine the excitement and wonder that must have been felt by botanists and horticulturists when they first laid eyes on these illustrations of the dahlia.
The dahlia’s journey from Mexico to the rest of the world continued as it caught the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts. Over time, the dahlia was cultivated and bred, leading to the development of numerous varieties with different colors, shapes, and sizes. Today, dahlias are cherished by gardeners and flower enthusiasts worldwide, both for their aesthetic appeal and their adaptability to different climates and growing conditions.
The credit for the discovery of the dahlia goes to Francisco Hernandez, who encountered plants resembling dahlia species during his research in Mexico. Through his observations and descriptions, Hernandez introduced the dahlia to the world, although it took several decades for his findings to be widely known. The dahlia’s journey from its origins in Mexico to becoming a beloved flower across the globe is a testament to the enduring beauty and fascination of the natural world.
