moutan
(ˈmuːtən)
[Chinese.]
The tree peony, Pæonia suffruticosa, of the family Ranunculaceæ, a large shrub bearing pale pink flowers, native to China and Tibet, the parent of many garden varieties producing single or double flowers of many colours.
| 1808 Curtis's Bot. Mag. XXIX. 1154 The Moutan, though cultivated in China about fourteen hundred years, is considered in that ancient empire..as rather of modern introduction. 1880 Encycl. Brit. XII. 258/1 The Moutans or Tree Pæonies are remarkable for their sub-shrubby habit, forming vigorous plants sometimes attaining a height of 6 to 8 feet. 1963 M. Haworth-Booth Moutan i. 11 In Chinese art each month is represented by a flower, and Moutan is specifically the flower for March. |