Carnation
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
Species

Carnation is a flower that originated in the Near East. It is often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. Its only original colour was pinkish-hued (flesh-like or "carnal", hence the name "carnation"), but later, through cultivation, other varieties of colours -- like red and white -- appeared too. Its Latin name Dianthus comes from the Greek words dios ("god") and anthos ("flower").


Carnation is also a brand of evaporated milk, known for its red and white label. The brand was acquired by Nestlé in 1985.