Petunia
Petunia is a genus of 20 species[1] of flowering plants of South American origin. The popular flower of the same name derived its epithet from the French, which took the word pétun, 'tobacco', from a Tupi–Guarani language. A tender perennial, most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids (Petunia × atkinsiana, also known as Petunia × hybrida).
This article is about a genus of flowering plants. For other uses, see Petunia (disambiguation).Taxonomy[edit]
Petunia is a genus in the family Solanaceae, subfamily Petunioideae. Well known members of Solanaceae in other subfamilies include tobacco (subfamily Nicotianoideae), and the cape gooseberry, tomato, potato, deadly nightshade and chili pepper (subfamily Solanoideae).[2] Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia,[3] but this is not accepted by others.[4][5][6] Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing Calibrachoa and Petunia.[7]
Ecology[edit]
Petunias are generally insect pollinated, with the exception of P. exserta, which is a rare, red-flowered, hummingbird-pollinated species. Most petunias are diploid with 14 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species,[9][10] as well as with Calibrachoa.
The tubular flowers are favoured by some Lepidoptera species, including the Hummingbird hawk moth.[11]
Uses[edit]
Many species other than Petunia × atkinsiana are also gaining popularity in the home garden.[23] A wide range of flower colours, sizes, and plant architectures are available in both Petunia × atkinsiana and other species.[3]
Genetically engineered bioluminescent Petunia hybrida was approved for sales by USDA in 2023.[24] Called 'Firefly,' this white-flowered petunia glows due to inserted genes from a bioluminescent mushroom.[25]
Red and white mixed petunia
Purple petunias with a white border
A red petunia with a white border
A cultivated form of petunia
A cultivated form
Pink Sky Petunia
Black Petunia
Petunia double petals
Petunia blue double petals
