Gardenia tahitensis TAHITIAN GARDENIA (5 seeds)

Tiare, also known as Tahitian flowers, is a tender perennial plant that grows 2 to 4 meters in height and belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is an evergreen tree found throughout much of the Pacific, as far as Vanuatu. Its flower is the national emblem of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Monoï flowers are white throughout the year, composed of five to seven petals that form a star or cup shape. They are often large and can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. They release an intense, sweet fragrance, making them a symbol of beauty and hospitality in Polynesian cultures.

The fruits are rounded berries that turn yellow-orange when ripe. They measure 2 to 5 cm in diameter. The skin of the fruit is smooth and can be used in certain contexts to produce dyes or essential oils.

Tiare seeds from Gardenia tahitensis are brown, flat, hardy, and measure 3 to 5 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

In Polynesia, the flower is a symbol of Polynesian culture, often worn in the hair or used during traditional ceremonies. It is frequently used in making wreaths and necklaces symbolizing welcome and beauty.

They release an enchanting fragrance and are found in gardens and floral arrangements. Thanks to the aroma of the blossoms, the Tiare flower is a popular ingredient in cosmetics, particularly for oils and lotions. It is often macerated in coconut oil to produce the famous monoï.

In cooking, the leaves and flowers can serve as flavoring in certain traditional dishes.

Furthermore, it is also used in traditional medicine for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The most favorable period to sow monoï is from June until the end of July, as it requires a great deal of heat to germinate properly.
• Soak the seeds in warm water for 6 to 12 hours to break their dormancy.
• Sow them in a tray of previously moistened peat.
• Cover them with 2 millimeters of fine substrate.
• Water the surface with a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse in a very hot and humid location with a temperature of at least 35°C.
• Germination is quite long; expect a timeframe of 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The plant grows in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It is strongly advised to drain the bottom of the pot well with clay pebbles to promote drainage and avoid moisture accumulation, which could be harmful to its roots.

- Light / Exposure:

The Polynesian Gardenia likes a sunny exposure, but it can also tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter regions.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It thrives best in warm temperatures between 23 and 33°C. While it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it should not be exposed to frost or temperatures below 10°C for an extended period.

- Watering / Irrigation:

The plant requires regular watering, ensuring the soil is kept slightly moist but never waterlogged. Excessive watering can lead to root rot. Significantly reduce watering in winter when the plant is less active.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It reproduces mainly by seed, but also by cuttings of woody stems during the high heat of summer.