'anthography' originates from Modern English coinage, formed from Greek elements 'anthos' (ἄνθος) and 'graphia' (γραφία), where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and 'graphia' meant 'writing' or 'description'.

'anthography' was formed in English by combining the Greek root 'anthos' with the suffix '-graphy' (via New Latin/Modern English formation). The compound follows the pattern of scientific and literary coinages that describe subjects by the suffix '-graphy' and has been used sporadically in botanical and descriptive literature since the 19th century.

Initially it simply meant 'writing about flowers' or 'descriptions of flowers'; this basic sense has largely remained stable, with usage limited to specialized botanical, horticultural, or literary contexts.