Tiare
Gardenia taitensis
Family: Rubiaceae · Also called Tahitian Gardenia, Tiare Tahiti, Gardenia taitensis f. minor, Gardenia taitensis f. genuina, Gardenia weissichii
Heady & Exotic · Year-round bloomer
The tiare is the soul flower of Polynesia, a pristine, pinwheel-shaped white bloom that grows throughout the Pacific Islands and defines the scent of the tropics. Simpler in form than its relative the gardenia, the tiare has a purer, creamier fragrance with coconut undertones. It blooms year-round, providing a constant source of flowers for leis, hair adornment, and the production of monoi oil.
love, welcome, beauty, romance
In the Victorian language of flowers, tiare means “Welcome and romantic love”. Tiare is the national flower of Tahiti and the most culturally significant flower in Polynesia. Tahitian women wear it behind the right ear if single, left if taken. Monoi oil, the traditional Polynesian beauty product, is made by steeping tiare flowers in coconut oil for weeks.
Did You Know?
Monoi de Tahiti, recognized as a traditional Polynesian cosmetic product, is made by macerating fresh tiare flowers in refined coconut oil for at least 15 days. The resulting oil is used for skin and hair care throughout the Pacific. By law, authentic monoi must use hand-picked tiare flowers from French Polynesia.
Coastal areas and gardens throughout French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands
Tiare is native to Polynesia. It naturally grows in coastal areas and gardens throughout french polynesia and the pacific islands.
Scent Profile
“A rich, creamy-coconut fragrance with tuberose-like sweetness, the scent of Polynesian paradise, warm and enveloping.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameGardenia taitensis
- FamilyRubiaceae
- Native ToPolynesia
- Bloom SeasonYear-round
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Tiare is the national flower of Tahiti and the most culturally significant flower in Polynesia. Tahitian women wear it behind the right ear if single, left if taken. Monoi oil, the traditional Polynesian beauty product, is made by steeping tiare flowers in coconut oil for weeks.