| Latin Name : | Citrus aurantium ssp. amara |
| English Name : | Neroli, Orange blossom |
| French Name : | Néroli or fleurs d'oranger |
| Family : | Rutaceae |
| Origin : | Italy, Morocco, Egypt |
History and Origin
Around late 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, Dutchess of Bracciano and Princess of Nerola, popularized the essence of bitter orange as a fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and as bathing water. Since then, “neroli” is used to designate orange blossom. Many young brides would use orange blossom to ornament their hair as a symbol of purity and fertility. The flower represented the spirit of the Virgin Mary. The white flower symbolizes virginity and the fruit, maternity.