What's A Wall Flower?

Wallflower, an herb, belongs to the genus Erysimum of the family Cruciferae (mustard family) and is very popular in Europe. It is a garden flower and is sometimes called the gillyflower due to its similarity in appearance to that of stock. The scientific name of wallflower is Cheiranthus cheiri. They often grow on quarries, rocks and old walls and are therefore called as wallflowers.

It was in 1578 that the plant's name was first recorded. The flower is used to describe unpartnered women at dances. Although the word was originally used only to describe women, now it is applied to men as well. But who first made this comparison is not known. The flower is also used to describe a shy person who does not participate in activity at social events. It describes a company or an industry that are not in favour with investors.