Heliotrope

Colors with Undefined Names

37. Heliotrope Color 427 - #DF73FF

Heliotropium peruvianum - Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. There are 250 to 300 species in this genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes

The name "heliotrope" derives from the old idea that the inflorescences of these plants turned their rows of flowers to the sun. (helios) is Greek for "sun," (tropein) means "to turn." The Middle English name "turnsole" has the same meaning.

The sap of heliotrope flowers, namely of European Heliotrope (H. europaeum), was used as a food coloring in Middle Ages and Early Modern French cuisine. Garden Heliotrope is grown in Southern Europe as an ingredient for perfume.

Shown are some heliotrope blossoms
Return to Unusual Color Group - 4    On to Unusual Color 38 Icterine ⇨