Petunia

The petunia is a trumpeet-shaped flower native of South American. Its name is derived from the word "petun," which means "tobacco" in Brazilian.

They were discovered in the early 17th century by explorers, and were quickly sent back to Europe. Explorer James Tweedie sent samples of the flowers to the Glasgow Botanical Center in 1831, which heightened their popularity among European gardeners and botanists. Word of the new species spread, and petunias soon became a mainstay in home gardens around the world.

Petunias are known as "Mary's Praises" in Germany due to their uplifting flowers. They are a common symbol of the Virgin Mary in Christianity, and are often planted in gardens dedicated to the Mother of Christ. In popular folklore, petunia flowers are also believed to represent anger and resentment, or to soothe these negative emotions by their presence.