Japanese apricot
Japanese plum
Chinese plum
Plum blossom
Scientific Name:
Prunus mume
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
pure heart
-
indomitable spirit
-
nobility
-
elegance
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
The Japanese apricot is a deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family native to China, believed to have been introduced to Japan during the Nara period. Blooming proudly from late January to March in the lingering cold, it is beloved as a flower that heralds spring earlier than cherry blossoms. The flowers come in various colors including white, red, and pink, and are characterized by their strong fragrance. With a slow blooming period and beautiful way of falling, it has been frequently featured in Japanese literature and art.
Trivia
- The legend of 'Flying Plum' tells of a plum tree that flew overnight from Kyoto to Dazaifu when Sugawara no Michizane was exiled
- Since plum blossoms bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, in ancient times 'flowers' referred to plum blossoms
- White plum blossoms are said to have a stronger fragrance than red ones, as mentioned in The Tale of Genji
- Wakayama Prefecture has the highest plum fruit production in Japan, accounting for about 60% of the national total
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers for New Year flower arrangements
- Planted as garden trees
- Enjoyed as bonsai
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine as Wumei
- Anti-diarrheal, antitussive, and antipyretic effects
Caution:
Caution needed as raw seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides
Culinary
- fruits
- petals (edible in small amounts)
Other
- Used as fragrance
- Used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
seed kernel, bark
Symptoms:
Potential cyanide poisoning from consuming large amounts of raw seeds
Oncidium
Dancing lady orchid
Butterfly orchid
Golden shower orchid
Scientific Name:
Oncidium spp.
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
impressive eyes
-
dance with me
-
lovely
-
pure
-
good nature
Description
Oncidium is an orchid family plant native to Central and South America, with about 400 known species. The appearance of numerous small yellow flowers blooming in clusters looks like butterflies dancing, earning it the name 'Dancing Lady Orchid.' The beautiful sight of small flowers on gracefully curved stems makes it popular as cut flowers. It's beloved by beginners as a relatively easy-to-grow orchid and blooms from winter to spring.
Trivia
- The name Oncidium comes from Greek meaning 'little swelling', referring to the flower shape
- The Japanese name 'Sparrow Orchid' comes from small flowers resembling a flock of sparrows
- A single flower stem can bear over 100 small flowers
- In their native habitat, they can climb and bloom at heights of up to 30 meters in trees
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Indoor cultivation as potted plants
- Used for corsages and boutonnieres
Medicinal
- Traditionally believed to have antipyretic effects
- Used in folk medicine for joint pain relief
Caution:
Medical evidence is limited and should not be used without physician guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Sometimes used as a perfume ingredient
- Can be enjoyed as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Japanese witch hazel
Hamamelis japonica
Scientific Name:
Hamamelis japonica
Family:
Hamamelidaceae
Flower Language
-
inspiration
-
mystery
-
return of happiness
-
magic spell
Description
Hamamelis japonica is a deciduous small tree endemic to Japan that blooms yellow ribbon-like flowers in early spring from February to March, ahead of other flowers. Its name is said to derive from 'blooming first,' and it's beloved as the flower that first announces spring's arrival in snow-remaining mountain villages. The flowers are characterized by four elongated petals and have a faint fragrance. Having been used for divination since ancient times, it carries mystical flower meanings and has deep connections to Japan's satoyama culture.
Trivia
- The curled thin petals that look like sudden inspiration gave rise to the flower meaning 'inspiration'
- Has the alternative name 'Katasoge (one-sided shaving)' due to its asymmetrical leaf shape
- Hamamelis branches were used as divination tools and for dowsing
- There was a custom of predicting good harvests based on the amount of flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden trees
- Used as cut flowers for ikebana
- Used in parks and as street trees
Medicinal
- Bark and leaves are said to have astringent properties
- Used in folk medicine for treating external injuries
Caution:
Medical effects are not established, should not be used without physician guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Wood used for making small items
- Sometimes used as dye
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Tulip
Garden tulip
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
declaration of love
-
true love
-
thoughtfulness
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Tulips are bulbous plants of the lily family, native to Central Asia centered around Turkey. They became hugely popular in 17th century Netherlands and are now beloved spring flowers worldwide. Red tulips are particularly symbolic of love, with attractive cup-shaped flowers and vibrant colors. They bloom from March to May, and over 5,000 varieties now exist.
Trivia
- The 'Tulip Mania' speculative bubble occurred in 17th century Netherlands
- The Japanese name 'Ukkonko' comes from its turmeric-like fragrance
- Netherlands produces about 80% of the world's tulip bulbs
- In Turkish courts, it was an honor for gardeners to create new tulip varieties
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as cut flowers for bouquets
- Garden planting and flower bed cultivation
- Indoor viewing as potted plants
Medicinal
- Traditionally used for digestive system medicines in some cultures
Caution:
Dangerous for medicinal use as bulbs are toxic
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (bulbs are toxic)
Other
- Used as perfume ingredients
- Preserved as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, stems, leaves
Symptoms:
Accidental ingestion of bulbs may cause digestive symptoms and dermatitis
Crocus
Spring crocus
Scientific Name:
Crocus spp.
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
longing
-
youthful joy
-
regret in love
-
trust me
Description
Crocus is a bulbous plant of the iris family, native to the Mediterranean coast. The charming sight of flowers popping up from snow-covered ground from February to April in early spring makes them beloved as harbingers of spring. They come in various colors including purple, white, and yellow, producing cup-shaped flowers. They are extremely hardy and easy to grow, with bulbs capable of blooming even when simply left alone. Hydroponic cultivation is also possible, allowing indoor enjoyment.
Trivia
- The name derives from Greek 'Krokos' meaning 'thread,' named after the thread-like stamens
- In Britain, they're planted in lawns and enjoyed as 'crocus lawns'
- The bulbs are extremely hardy and can bloom even without being planted in soil
- Saffron is also a type of crocus, being an autumn-blooming crocus
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting and lawn cultivation
- Indoor viewing as potted plants
- Enjoying through hydroponic cultivation
Medicinal
- Records of use as medicinal herbs since ancient times
- Used for digestive system symptoms
Caution:
Medicinal use is not currently recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Sometimes used as dye
- Can be preserved as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, leaves
Symptoms:
Large quantities may cause mild digestive symptoms
Saffron
Saffron crocus
Autumn crocus
Scientific Name:
Crocus sativus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
joy
-
cheerfulness
-
moderation
-
beauty of moderation
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Saffron is a bulbous plant of the genus Crocus in the iris family, believed to be native to Iran. It produces beautiful purple flowers in autumn, and the world's finest spice is made from three deep red stigmas. About 160 flowers are needed to produce one gram of saffron, all harvested by hand, making it so expensive it's called 'red gold.' The dried stigmas produce a vibrant yellow color and are used in dishes like paella.
Trivia
- The name saffron derives from Arabic 'zafran' meaning 'yellow'
- One gram of saffron can be more expensive than gold
- One of the world's oldest spices, cultivated since around 3000 BC
- Kashmiri saffron is considered the world's highest quality
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivated as autumn garden flowers
- Appreciated as cut flowers
- Pot cultivation as bulbous plants
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb since ancient times
- Believed to have digestive and sedative effects
- Used as gynecological medicine
Caution:
Prohibited during pregnancy, dangerous in large quantities
Other
- Ingredient in luxury cosmetics
- Used as natural dye
- Perfume ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
stigmas (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Large quantities can cause poisoning symptoms, risk of miscarriage during pregnancy