Cyclamen
Alpine Violet
Persian Violet
Scientific Name:
Cyclamen persicum
Family:
Primulaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
Pink
Description
A tuberous plant native to the Mediterranean that was introduced to Japan in the mid-Meiji period. In Europe, it's sometimes called 'pig's bread' because pigs dig up and eat the tubers. The flowers characteristically hang downward to protect their pollen from rain, and this posture that looks like bashfully looking down gave rise to the flower language of 'shyness'.
Trivia
- Also called 'Kagaribi-bana' (torch flower) and 'Buta-no-manju' (pig's bun) in Japanese
- Flowers are single or double, with diverse colors including white, red, yellow, and pink
- Called 'pig's bread' in Europe because pigs dig up and eat the tubers
- Can be enjoyed for long periods from winter to spring
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Indoor decoration
- Winter gifts
Medicinal
- Used medicinally in ancient times, but no longer used due to toxicity
Caution:
Contains toxic substances such as saponin glycoside cyclamin, so not used for food or medicine
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Fragrance (some varieties)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially tubers
Symptoms:
Toxic substances such as saponin glycoside cyclamin may cause digestive system problems if ingested
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila paniculata
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Dreamy feeling
-
Pure love
-
Pure heart
Description
A plant of the carnation family distributed from the Mediterranean coast to Asia. It gets its name from the way its small white flowers bloom softly, creating a misty appearance. While it's the top flower used as a supporting role in bouquets and arrangements, it has a strong presence and leaves a lasting impression. The scientific name Gypsophila comes from its preference for gypsum-rich soil.
Trivia
- The English name 'Baby's breath' comes from the delicate appearance created by countless small flowers
- Maintains its beauty even when dried, so can be enjoyed for long periods
- Grows to a maximum height of about 1m and looks like mist when in full bloom
- Flowering period is from May to August
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
No known medicinal uses
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Dried flowers
- Preserved flowers
- Craft materials
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Winter Aconite
Spring Ephemeral
Scientific Name:
Eranthis pinnatifida
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Refreshing
-
Radiance
-
Elegance
Description
A species endemic to Japan, this bulbous plant of the buttercup family grows to about 10cm tall. It gets its name from blooming around the time of Setsubun (bean-throwing festival). The white flowers that bloom near the ground are very charming and lovely, as if smiling at you. The flower language of 'radiance' comes from the yellow nectaries that look like a yellow crown. It's a rare plant designated as near threatened.
Trivia
- Designated as Near Threatened (NT) rare plant
- Population declining due to overharvesting and habitat destruction
- Flowering period is January to March, sometimes blooming even in snow
- The yellow nectaries are not petals; the actual petals are the white parts
Uses
Ornamental
- Wild plant gardening
- Rock gardens
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
As a member of the buttercup family, may contain toxic compounds and medicinal use should be avoided
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Symbol of ecosystem protection
- Environmental education material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts
Symptoms:
May contain toxic compounds typical of the buttercup family, potentially causing digestive system problems if ingested
Camellia
Japanese Camellia
Scientific Name:
Camellia japonica
Family:
Theaceae
Flower Language
-
Modest excellence
-
Humble virtue
-
Perfect love
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
An evergreen tree native to Japan. It produces plump red and white flowers among glossy, hard leaves from winter to spring. A great boom occurred in Europe in the 19th century, and the novel 'La Dame aux Camélias' by Alexandre Dumas is very famous. In Japan, there has long been a culture of revering evergreen plants as sacred, and camellias have been planted at property boundaries as trees that ward off evil.
Trivia
- Over 2000 varieties exist in Japan alone
- Also known as Yabuzubaki, Taitoka, and Camellia
- Rich variety of flower colors including red, white, pink, red-white bicolor, purple, and purple-black
- The 'Camellia Boom' occurred in 19th century Europe
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Bonsai
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Camellia oil is used for hair and skin care
Caution:
Medicinal use of flowers and leaves is not common
Other
- Camellia oil (cosmetics, hair oil)
- Wood (crafts)
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported. Petals are even used as food
Bittercress
Cardamine
Scientific Name:
Cardamine occulta
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
Victory
-
Passion
-
Indomitable spirit
Description
An annual plant of the mustard family native to East Asia. Known as a weed that grows in clusters near water bodies like rice fields. The Japanese name comes from the fact that it blooms white flowers when rice seeds are soaked in water to prepare for seedbed making. The small white flowers have 4 petals, about 2.5-4mm long. The scientific name was changed from the previous one based on DNA analysis.
Trivia
- Has a special chromosome number of 2n=64 (octoploid)
- Scientific name changed from Cardamine flexuosa to Cardamine occulta based on DNA analysis
- Named because its flowering period coincides with rice seed soaking time
- Often disliked by farmers as a rice field weed
Uses
Ornamental
- Wild plant gardens
- Biotopes
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
- Young leaves were sometimes used as food in folk medicine
Caution:
Medicinal use is not common today
Other
- Environmental indicator plant
- Part of ecosystem
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported. Rather used as food