Stock
Gillyflower
Common Stock
Mathiola
Scientific Name:
Matthiola incana
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
eternal beauty
-
bonds of affection
-
abundant love
Characteristics
Colors:
double-flowered
Description
Stock is a plant of the Brassicaceae family native to southern Europe, used as medicinal herbs in ancient Greece and Rome. Double-flowered varieties were created in the 16th century, and now come in a rich variety of colors including red, pink, yellow, blue, purple, and white. The flowers are characterized by a spicy-sweet fragrance like cloves and are very popular as cut flowers. They bloom from winter to spring and are treated as annuals in Japan.
Trivia
- Revolutionary flower with double-flowered varieties developed in 16th century
- Boasts long-lasting cut flowers of 5-10 days
- Contains 'eugenol', fragrance component similar to cloves
- Flowers have habit of opening and closing in response to sunlight
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Flower beds and container gardens
- Indoor decoration
Medicinal
- Used as cough suppressant and expectorant in ancient times
- Relaxation effects in aromatherapy
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended currently
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Dried flowers
- Bouquets and arrangements
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
seeds, leaves
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances
Wax Flower
Chamelaucium
Geraldton Wax
Scientific Name:
Chamelaucium uncinatum
Family:
Myrtaceae
Flower Language
-
whimsical
-
loveliness
-
delicacy
Description
Wax flower is a plant of the Myrtaceae family native to Western Australia, named for its shiny, waxy-textured petals and center. The Chamelaucium genus contains about 21 species, with white, light pink, and deep pink being mainstream. When leaves are crushed, they emit a sweet-sour citrus fragrance, and it's very popular as a cut flower. Beloved as a native flower, it's also suitable for dried flower arrangements.
Trivia
- Genus name Chamelaucium derives from Greek 'small white'
- Excellent cut flower lasting over 2 weeks
- Representative of Australian native flowers
- Leaves emit citrus fragrance when crushed
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
- Flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Antibacterial properties in Aboriginal traditional medicine
Caution:
Not used in modern medicine
Other
- Essential oil
- Aromatherapy
- Craft materials
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Brunia
Silver Brunia
Brunia stokoei
Scientific Name:
Brunia stokoei
Family:
Bruniaceae
Flower Language
-
constancy
-
small courage
-
elegance
Description
Brunia is a plant of the Bruniaceae family native to South Africa, named from the German word meaning 'armor'. It's characterized by round, silvery flowers, with Silver Brunia (Brunia stokoei) being the main variety in circulation. Suitable for dried flower arrangements and lasts about 2 weeks as cut flowers. During Christmas season, it's utilized in wreaths and arrangements, popular as a wildflower.
Trivia
- Named from German 'Brunia' meaning armor
- Popular decorative flower material during Christmas season
- Color remains stable when dried
- Representative flower of South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
- Christmas wreaths
Medicinal
- Skin treatment in South African traditional medicine
Caution:
Not used in modern medicine
Other
- Craft materials
- Interior decoration
- Flower arrangements
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Narcissus
Daffodil
Jonquil
Scientific Name:
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
answering love
-
return to me
-
sensitive heart
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Narcissus is a perennial of the Amaryllidaceae family native to Spain, Portugal, and Mediterranean Africa, introduced to Japan during the Heian period. Yellow narcissus is particularly bright and vivid, a special presence symbolizing hope and love. As a bulb plant, it blooms annually in good environments and emits a subtle pleasant fragrance. Various flower forms exist including trumpet, large cup, and double-flowered types, and it's popular as cut flowers.
Trivia
- Scientific name Narcissus derives from Greek meaning 'to numb'
- Yellow narcissus believed to enhance fortune in feng shui
- Displayed as national flower on St. David's Day (March 1) in Wales
- Flowers have habit of opening and closing in response to sunlight
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bulb planting
- Cut flowers
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Arthritis treatment in folk medicine
- Used as fragrance in perfumes
Caution:
Poisonous plant; medicinal use is dangerous
Culinary
Not edible (poisonous)
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Feng shui for fortune enhancement
- Fragrance enjoyment in cut flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, all parts
Symptoms:
May cause vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and in worst cases life-threatening symptoms
Mussaenda
Buddha's Lamp
Flag Bush
Scientific Name:
Mussaenda parviflora
Family:
Rubiaceae
Description
Mussaenda is an evergreen climbing shrub of the Rubiaceae family native to southern China and Southeast Asia, distributed from Yakushima to the Sakishima Islands in Japan. It produces small yellow flowers in early summer, but one of the five outer sepals becomes a large white petal-like structure that stands out. This white sepal looks like a handkerchief, earning it the nickname 'handkerchief flower.' The name derives from white sediments accumulating like snowflakes on the legendary Chinese mountain 'Kunlun.'
Trivia
- Genus name Mussaenda derives from local name in Sri Lanka
- Species name parviflora means 'small flower' in Latin
- White sepals are actually modified sepals, not petals
- Long blooming period from May to September
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Potted plants
- Greenhouse cultivation
Medicinal
- Vines and roots used as medicinal herbs in Chinese traditional medicine
- Believed to have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Self-medication is not recommended
Other
- Ornamental cultivation
- Botanical garden displays
- Research material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
unknown
Toxic Parts:
details unknown
Symptoms:
Detailed toxicity information is unknown
Pine
Japanese Red Pine
Japanese Black Pine
Scientific Name:
Pinus densiflora (アカマツ) / Pinus thunbergii (クロマツ)
Family:
Pinaceae
Flower Language
-
eternal youth and longevity
-
eternal youth
-
courage
Description
Pine has been considered sacred in Japan since ancient times as an evergreen conifer, with Japanese Red Pine and Japanese Black Pine being representative. Red Pine is common in inland mountainous areas, characterized by reddish-brown bark, while Black Pine grows near coasts with blackish-gray bark. Both are symbols of 'eternal youth and longevity' due to their long-lived and hardy nature, and are cherished as New Year kadomatsu and garden trees. Their evergreen nature maintaining greenery year-round and resilience in harsh environments make them trees symbolizing Japanese spirituality, deeply rooted in culture.
Trivia
- Frequently mentioned in Japan's oldest poetry collection 'Manyoshu'
- Treated as highest grade 'shohaku bonsai' in bonsai art
- Kadomatsu erected as landmarks for divine descent
- Red Pine called 'female pine', Black Pine called 'male pine'
Uses
Ornamental
- Kadomatsu (New Year decoration)
- Main garden trees
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Pine needle tea (vitamin C supplement)
- Pine resin (topical medicine)
- Pine nuts (nutritional tonic)
Caution:
Pine needle tea should be avoided during pregnancy
Culinary
- pine nuts
- young pine needles
Other
- Construction material
- Furniture wood
- Pine resin (paint, adhesive)
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic (some pine needle tea avoided during pregnancy)