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Alternate Name(s)
Tahitian Gardenia
Scientific Name
Gardenia taitensis
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Gentianales
Family
Rubiaceae
Genus
Gardenia
Status in Hawaii
Naturalized
Native Region
Melanesia, Western Polynesia
Cultural Significance
Gardenia taitensis, commonly known as the Tahitian gardenia or tiare, is the official flower of Tahiti and is naturally found growing in woodlands and thickets, particularly near coastal areas and occasionally on limestone substrates. The plant has important medicinal value in traditional practices, where infusions of its bark and flowers prepared in water or coconut oil are used for antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and other healing purposes. Culturally and religiously, G. taitensis holds deep significance among Polynesian communities, as its fragrant white flowers are widely used in making leis and adornments. In many Pacific island traditions, the placement of the flower conveys social meaning, with a flower worn on the left ear indicating that a person is taken, while one worn on the right ear signifies availability.
Sources
Gardenia taitensis | Plant Pono. (2024, October). Plant Pono. https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/gardenia-taitensis-tahitian/ NParks | Gardenia taitensis. (n.d.). Www.nparks.gov.sg. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/9/5972
Collection Date
Fall 9-26-2025
Collection Number
BYUH_25_14
Recommended Citation
Gamba, Clariza Mae Anoc, "Tiare Tahiti" (2025). Herbarium Collection. 9.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/herbarium/9