Pratolina, on the hunt for pink!
There are flowers you don’t have to look too far to find.
All it takes is a lawn, a garden, or a path near your home. And suddenly, when you look down, you’ll see that the ground is dotted with tiny white spots: they’re daisies. They’ve always symbolized spring, innocence, and purity.
How to recognize it
The daisy is a small, hardy perennial herb. It grows to a height of 5 to 15 centimeters and forms small clumps in meadows.
The leaves are clustered at the base; they are soft and elongated. A slender stem emerges from the center, bearing a single flower.
Or at least, that's how it seems.
Because, in reality, a daisy isn’t just a single flower. If you look closely, you’ll discover that it’s made up of many small flowers: the yellow center is a cluster of tubular flowers—that is, tube-shaped—while what we commonly call petals are actually ray flowers, which extend outward like small tongues. The daisy, therefore, is not a single flower, but an inflorescence: a cluster of many small flowers.
Where to look for it during your explorations
The daisy is a flower that loves to be close to us.
It grows in meadows, fields, gardens, and along the edges of paths, often in areas that are frequently walked on and used. It is found from sea level up to an altitude of about 2,000 meters and is widespread throughout Italy.
The meaning of the name
Its scientific name is Bellis perennis.
“Bellis” likely derives from the Latin word *bellus*, meaning beautiful or graceful.
“Perennis” means “everlasting,” because this plant blooms year after year.
The name “margherita,” on the other hand, comes from “margarita,” meaning “pearl,” because of the light, delicate color of its petals.
In English, it is called a daisy, or “eye of the day,” because it opens when the light comes in and follows the sun.
A little story to share
Once upon a time, there wasthe Frost Man, old and silent, sitting before his nearly extinguished fire, beside a stream as still as glass. All around him, there was nothing but snow and wind. Day and night. One day, however, someone arrived.
A boy with a light step, rosy cheeks, and eyes full of light. He carried flowers, the scent of fresh air, and something that winter no longer knew.
The two began telling each other about their powers.
The Man of Frost spoke of water freezing, leaves falling, and animals fleeing from the cold.
The boy, on the other hand, spoke of warm rain, plants growing, and birds returning to sing.
And as he spoke, something really began to change.
The sun grew warmer, the stream began to flow again, and the air filled with sounds and scents.
The Ice Man felt the warmth slowly melting him away, like snow in the sun. He grew smaller and smaller, until he vanished.
In its place, there remained a small flower. A heart as yellow as the sun and pale petals tinged with pink. A daisy.
Ever since then, every time we see her, she reminds us of one simple thing: even the longest winter eventually gives way to spring.
What's it called in the local dialect?
The daisy has a simple, delicate name, just like the flower itself. In some places, it’s called “margheritìn,” an affectionate way of saying “little daisy,” as if it were even closer to the earth and to those who gaze upon it.
But the names of flowers vary from country to country and from valley to valley, and it is often our grandparents and great-grandparents who preserve these words.
Do you know what they used to call her?
Ask your family; have them tell you about it. Sometimes, along with the name, memories, stories, and small, forgotten gestures come to mind.
If you'd like, feel free to email us at: info@oltrelario.it
When you find it…
When you come across a daisy, stop and take a moment. Take a closer look at it. Notice the yellow center, the white “petals,” and the pinkish hues. Ask yourself if it’s really just a single flower—or something more.
Draw it in your passport, and note down where you found it and what time of day it was.
Happy exploring, explorers.
If you would like to share your discoveries, you can do so on Instagram using the hashtag #floraintasca. If, on the other hand, you prefer to keep these moments just for yourself, your family, and nature, we completely understand. In that case, if you wish, you can tell us about your experience by leaving a review here:
https://www.oltrelario.it/recensioni/
Spread the word about “Flora in Your Pocket!”
Forward this questionnaire to your friends—they’ll be able to get their passport and play with us: https://forms.gle/jtofkP6Vy82bDQd
