Pronunciation: [dˈe͡ɪliːə] (IPA) 
The word "dahlia" is spelled with a "h" between the "l" and the "i," which can be confusing for some. However, this is because the word is derived from the surname of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. Like many other botanical names, the pronunciation of "dahlia" is indicated by its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /ˈdɑːliə/, where the stress is on the first syllable and the final "a" is pronounced as the schwa sound.
Dahlia is a noun that refers to a type of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Dahlia, which is part of the Asteraceae family. This genus consists of several species that are native to Central America, Mexico, and Colombia. The dahlia plant is known for its vibrant and varied flowers, which bloom in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes, making it popular among gardeners and florists.
The plant typically grows from tubers, which are swollen underground plant structures that store nutrients. The dahlia has erect, sturdy stems that bear lush green foliage, and the flowers can be single, semi-double, or double. The petals of the dahlia can exhibit various forms, such as round, pointed, curved, or spiky. The plant's blooming period generally spans from midsummer to the first frost.
Dahlias are often cultivated for their ornamental value, as they add color and vibrancy to gardens, parks, and floral arrangements. Due to their vast diversity, dahlias have been hybridized extensively, resulting in numerous cultivars with distinctive characteristics. Some popular cultivars include the decorative dahlia, cactus dahlia, pompon dahlia, and ball dahlia, each displaying unique flower arrangements and forms.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, dahlias are also important for attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, aiding in the pollination process. The dahlia's ability to thrive in various climates and its ease of propagation through division or seed make it a versatile and accessible plant for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
A plant from Mexico bearing a large and beautiful compound flower.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dahlia" is derived from the surname of the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, who lived in the 18th century. He was a student of Carl Linnaeus, the renowned Swedish botanist who developed the modern binomial nomenclature system for naming species. Dahl studied the plant extensively and became known for his expertise in botany. As a result, Carl Linnaeus named the flower Dahlia in honor of his colleague and friend.
