健康资讯 I. Introduction
The English meaning of “carnation” is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family of dianthus. In its Latin language ‘carnatio’ refers to the deep flesh color of these flowers. Carnations are famous for their large heads on short stems, and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, yellow and red. They are widely used for both decorative and medicinal purposes.
II. History
The carnation is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and was first mentioned in Greek literature by the ancient Greeks. The carnation began to be used in Europe in the 16th century, and was extensively used in Britain and America in the 19th century to make a variety of different gifts and decorations. The flower has a wide range of symbolic meanings and has been associated with the Virgin Mary in Christianity, the goddess Freya in Norse mythology and the god Flora in Roman mythology.
III. Varieties
Carnations come in many different varieties, including standard and miniature. Standard carnations have large, full blooms and are often used in floral arrangements, while miniature carnations have small and delicate blooms. Carnations also come in many different colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red.
IV. Symbolism
Carnations have a number of different symbolic meanings. In Christianity, carnations are associated with the Virgin Mary, and are often seen on Easter and Mother’s Day. They are also known to symbolize love, friendship, and good luck.
V. Uses
Though carnations were primarily used for decorative purposes, they also have numerous medicinal and culinary uses. Carnations can be used to treat digestive and respiratory issues, as well as being an ingredient in certain dishes. In addition, carnations are also used to make perfumes, cosmetics, and to make a sweet drink known as a clove tea.
VI. Conclusion
一、“西兰花”的起源及种类
1.“西兰花”，又称锦簇兰、盆栽兰，是被广泛称赞的植物，也是许多家庭花园里必备的花卉之一。它原产于非洲中东部，是一种多肉科兰科多年生草本植物，它由杂交繁殖获得而成。
2.目前已知有西兰花种类约一百多种，它们种类多样，花色及花形也有很大的不同。种类按叶片的形状来分，大致可分为单鬃、双鬃、鸢尾及锥体型，叶面有无花纹也可作为判断不同品种的标准。
二、西兰花的特性
1.西兰花属于一种耐寒性强的植物，它极富耐寒性，可以在温度正常的时候，在白天弱阳性的阳光下放心生长，同时也要注意避开阳光直射，以避免叶片过度日晒受不良影响。
2.西兰花株型优美，植株主要由椭圆形叶片组成，上方会结出纤细的鲜花，花朵圆润，有金黄、白色、紫色等颜色，散发出清雅淡雅的芳香，令人心旷神怡，是一种非常有名的鲜花花卉。
三、养护方法
1.西兰花养护比较容易，尤其要注意保持土壤湿润，可以在白天给它施加足够的水，保证其土壤湿润，但要避免植株被水浸泡以免半夜的冷气给植株造成伤害。
2.西兰花需要定期施肥，一般来说应按季节来施肥，在春季和夏季，应选择中性土壤的多元化肥料，在秋冬季比较可以，可以选择比较高氮肥料，以促进植株的生长。
3.西兰花也需要经常除虫，所有需要控制害虫，一旦发现害虫侵害，就要及时采取措施防止、除虫，保证它们正常发育。
四、鉴赏西兰花
1.西兰花是一种非常美丽的花卉，只要选择合适的品种，就可以让它活跃的形态见诸四方，展示出轻盈的花朵和披着淡淡光环的叶子，令人愉悦又舒心。
2.西兰花一般会在4月开花，花朵到10月即将凋谢，而在新年，它又会开出一季美丽的花朵，为这个家庭中增添一份诗意，带出清新的柔情，令人心生欢愉。
