The White Treasure of Tahiti
The flower called Tiare Tahiti, whose scientific name is Gardenia Tahitensis, is one of the two main ingredients for creating the Tiare Tahiti Monoï Oil. This delicate and beautiful flower with white petals is native to Polynesia, hence its name, which refers to Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia.
Botanical Characteristics
The bushes of the Gardenia Tahitensis They grow best in coral soils, typical of the volcanic islands of the South Pacific. Their branches produce soft, bright green leaves, at the end of which delicate white flowers with 5 to 8 petals bloom, although some varieties can have up to 12 petals.
The most distinctive feature of this flower is its sweet aroma with a slight hint of vanilla and jasmine, which perfumes the tropical air of the Polynesian islands. This unique and intoxicating fragrance has made Tiare one of the most prized flowers in the world in the perfume and natural cosmetics industry.
History and Ancestral Origins
Although many call it the “Tiare flower,” in reality tiare already means “flower” in Tahitian, so technically it would be “flower of flowers.” However, this name has become popular around the world and is how it is universally known.
The Gardenia Tahitensis was first observed by European explorers during James Cook's second circumnavigation. German naturalist Johann Georg Adam Forster initially misidentified it as Gardenia jasminoides. The first sample was collected and brought to Europe by French explorer Dumont d'Urville in 1824.
However, long before the arrival of Europeans, It was the Maohis, the ancestral inhabitants of the South Seas, who introduced this beautiful flower to French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and possibly Hawaii during their long sea voyages more than a thousand years ago.
Cultural and National Symbol
The Tiare flower is the national flower of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, and is a symbol for its people. In the Tahitian language, the Tiare has 10 different names depending on its stage of maturity, from the closed bud to the fully open flower, demonstrating the deep cultural connection that Polynesians have with this plant.
The 10 stages of the Tiare flower according to traditional Tahitian nomenclature. Each stage, from the closed bud to the wilted flower, has a unique name that reflects the deep cultural connection of Polynesians to this sacred plant.
Traditions and Meanings
Each person arriving in French Polynesia traditionally receives a Tiare necklace or a flower placed behind their ear as a symbol of welcome. This tradition, similar to Hawaiian “lei,” is an expression of Polynesian hospitality and love.
The way the flower is carried also has a special meaning:
Flower in the left ear: the person is engaged or unavailable
Flower in the right ear: the person is available and looking for company
Women (vahine): they usually have the flower fully open
Men (tane): traditionally, they only carry the flower bud
In traditional dances such as the famous Heiva, dancers adorn their hairstyles and costumes with Tiare flowers, adding grace and elegance to their movements. The flower is also used in important ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms, and often decorates hotels and homes to create an atmosphere of well-being and conviviality.
Uses in Cosmetics and Traditional Medicine
Although it is used as the main ingredient in cosmetics such as Monoï oil from Tahiti, The Tiare has multiple applications that go beyond beauty:
Traditional Polynesian Medicine
In the Ra’au Tahiti (traditional Tahitian medicine), the Tiare flower is used for:
✽ Relieve migraines and headaches
✽ Treating earaches
✽ Soothe insect bites
✽ As an ingredient in traditional therapeutic massage oils
Its essential oil is rich in active ingredients such as methyl salicylate, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Cosmetic Applications
Tiare Tahiti is widely used in the perfume industry due to its unique and exquisite aroma. The essential oil extracted from this flower is used as the main note in many luxury fragrances, adding a floral, sweet, and exotic touch.
At Anakena – Natural Cosmetics, we have captured the essence of this wonderful flower in several of our products, especially in our Monoï de Tahiti and in our line of fragrances that evoke Polynesian paradises.
Monoï de Tahiti: Sacred Union
The Monoï de Tahiti is the result of the union between two natural treasures of Polynesia:
✽ Gardenia Tahitensis (Tiare Tahiti): the emblematic flower
✽ Refined coconut oil (Coprah): “the white gold of Tahiti”
This ancient product has been used by Polynesians for centuries to moisturize and protect their skin and hair from the tropical climate, intense sun, and salty ocean water.
Traditional Production Process
Tiare flowers are picked before dawn, when their scent is most intense and their petals are fresh and covered in dew. They are then steeped for 12 days in refined coconut oil (Coprah), with a minimum concentration of 12 flowers per liter, using the special enfleurage method.
This process takes place at room temperature, which means that the oil is not heated, preserving all the natural properties of both the flower and the coconut oil. The flowers release moisturizing and nourishing ingredients and give the oil its characteristic fragrance. After this time, the macerated mixture is left to rest for 24 hours before final filtering.
The authenticity of our Monoï de Tahiti Anakena is protected by the prestigious certificate “Appellation d'Origine®“, making it the first cosmetic product to receive a Designation of Origin in 1992. This seal of guarantee confirms the Polynesian origin of its ingredients and the quality of its production.
Connection with Polynesian Culture
The cultural significance of the Tiare Tahiti transcends borders within the Polynesian triangle. This flower connects Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, New Zealand, and all the islands of Polynesia through a common heritage and a deep respect for nature.
At Anakena, we understand that Flowers in Polynesia are much more than just decoration. – are an integral part of culture and everyday life, symbols of hospitality, love, beauty, and spirituality.
A Flower in Every Bottle
Each bottle of our Monoï contains one of these delicate, authentic Tiare flowers. which give it its characteristic soft and natural fragrance. This flower, visible inside the bottle, is a tangible reminder of the direct connection with Tahiti and its ancestral traditions.
When you choose Anakena products with Tiare Tahiti, you are not only choosing high-quality natural cosmetics, but you are also participating in a tradition that has endured for hundreds of years, celebrating the cultural richness and natural beauty of Polynesia.
Discover our entire line of products inspired by the natural treasures of Polynesia at Anakena - Natural Cosmetics.
