The Strangest and Funniest Plant Names in the Damascene Dialect

People in Damascus don’t just grow flowers and plants in their homes; they also give them creative and funny names. Some names come from the plant’s shape, the way its flowers bloom, or even a funny comparison. Here are some of the most unusual plant names you’ll hear in the Damascene dialect, with their English meanings.

El Mesthiyeh (The Shy One)

This name comes from the plant’s reaction when touched. Its soft leaves close and fold quickly, almost as if it feels shy, then open again after some time.

Shab Zarif (The Handsome Young Man)

This flowering plant has bright, colorful flowers, including pink and yellow. It usually blooms late in the day, which is why it is also known as the Four O’Clock Flower.

Zahrat Al Darayer (Co-Wives’ Flower)

One of the funniest Damascene plant names. Its flowers grow facing away from each other, which reminded people of co-wives who don’t get along.

Lisan Hmāti (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

This cactus-like houseplant has long, pointed leaves that look like a tongue, which inspired its popular name.

Al Majnouna (The Crazy One)

Also known as bougainvillea, this plant grows many colorful flowers that cover walls and balconies, making it look like it is blooming “crazily.”

Al Kolonia (Cologne Plant)

A classic plant in old Damascene homes. Its strong fragrance becomes more noticeable at night, which is why it is also called the Queen of the Night.

Khratet Bint Al Malek (The King’s Daughter’s Dress)

One of the strangest names, inspired by the flower’s layered shape that looks like a decorated dress.

Halaq Al Set / Halaq Al Mahboub (Lady’s Earring / Lover’s Earring)

This is the fuchsia plant. Its hanging flowers look like beautiful earrings, giving it this charming name.

Rākhi Sha’ro (Loose Hair)

This houseplant has long, thin leaves that fall from the pot like loose strands of hair. It is also known as the Spider Plant.

Al Mahkama (The Court)

Its small flowers open in the morning and close later in the day, reminding people of court working hours.

Al Aqrab (The Scorpion)

This cactus has branches that look like a scorpion’s tail. When it blooms, it produces many colorful flowers.

Al Sajjada (The Carpet)

This plant is named after its colorful patterned leaves. A group of them planted together looks like a colorful carpet.

Zahrat Al Sa’a (The Clock Flower)

Its flower shape and details resemble the hands of a clock, which inspired this simple name.

Famm Al Samaka (Fish Mouth)

When you press the flower, it opens like a small fish’s mouth. It is also known as Snapdragon.

Al Yasmina Al Aratliyyeh (Aratli Jasmine)

A special type of jasmine known for its strong, beautiful fragrance. It was common in old Damascene homes and gardens.

Al Mekahala (The Kohl Plant)

This plant has purple, green, and silver leaves. Its dark colors and patterns look like traditional kohl eyeliner.

Umm Kulthum (Umm Kulthum Plant)

The local name for lantana. Its small flowers grow in colorful clusters with shades of yellow, orange, and pink.

Al Makhmaliyyeh (The Velvet Rose)

A name given to a type of deep red rose because its petals look soft and rich like velvet.

More in the 7aki Shami section on our website!