Grown by: Kristin Yanker-Hansen Dahlia (probably coccinea) Asteraceae (~30 species of tuberous rooted perennials of montane Central America) Named for Dr. Anders Dahl (1751'1789), Swedish botanist and pupil of Linneaus coccinea = scarlet In the clan of Dahlias called 'single,' as are most species. The dahlia was first introduced to Europe to be used as a tuberous food source like the jeruselum artichoke but the taste never caught on. However, the enthusiasm for breeding them as garden ornamentals certainly did, as evidenced by the more than 20,000 (and counting) named cultivars. Of late, the dahlia has been resurected for containing substances which are to males what the yam is for women. (Flower Power!) Photo by Steve Morse