¶ The Names.
The Cloue Gillofloure is called of the later Herbarists 〈◊〉〈◊〉 flos, of the smell of cloues wherewith it is possessed: in Italian, Ga∣rofoli: in Spanish, Clauel: in French, Oeilletz: in low-Dutch, Ginoffelbloemen: in Latine of most, Ocellus Damascenus, Ocellus Barbaricus, and Barbarica: in English, Carnations, and Cloue Gillofloures. Of some it is called Vetonica, and Herba Tunica. The which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gordonius hath set downe for Dioscorides his Polemonium.
That worthy Herbarist and learned Physiti∣on of late memorie Mr. Doctor Turner maketh Caryophyllus to be Cantabrica; which Pliny, lib. 23. cap. 8. writeth to haue beene found out in Spaine about Augustus time, and that by those of Biscay.
Iohannes Ruellius saith, That the Gillofloure was vnknowne to the old writers: whose iudg∣ment is very good, especially because this herbe is not like to that of Vetonica or Cantabri∣ca. It is maruell, saith he, that such a famous floure, so pleasant and sweet, should lie hid, and not be made knowne by the old Writers: which may be thought not inferiour to the rose in beauty, smell, and varietie.