African Marigold
Dimorphotheca
Cape Marigold
Weather Prophet
Scientific Name:
Dimorphotheca sinuata
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
African Marigold is a member of the Asteraceae family native to the Cape region of South Africa, introduced to Europe in the late 18th century. Its bright yellow or orange flowers shine like gold coins and resemble marguerites. The petals have purple bases and the flowers face toward the sun. It blooms for a long period from spring to early summer and is popular as an easy-to-grow garden plant.
Trivia
- Called 'weather prophet flower' because it's sensitive to weather and closes on cloudy or rainy days
- First brought to Europe by Dutch botanists in the 18th century
- Named 'Dimorphotheca' (two-shaped box) because its seeds have two different forms
- In South Africa, wild populations create spectacular yellow carpets in spring
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bed planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine for treating minor wounds
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Medical effects are not proven, so avoid use for medical purposes.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Can be used as natural dye
- Companion plant to attract beneficial insects
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Candytuft
Iberis
White Alyssum
Scientific Name:
Iberis amara
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
Sweet temptation
-
Captivating
-
First love memories
Description
Iberis is a Brassicaceae flower native to southern Europe and North Africa, with small white flowers densely clustered to form beautiful candy-like flower heads. It has heliotropic properties, growing toward the sun, and its tendency for curved flower stems gives it the name 'curved flower.' It emits a sweet fragrance and is a popular garden plant that can be enjoyed for long periods from spring to early summer. Both annual and perennial varieties exist.
Trivia
- Name derives from 'Iberia', the ancient name for Spain
- English name 'Candytuft' comes from flower's resemblance to candy
- Like sunflowers, flowers follow the sun throughout the day
- Seeds have been used as mustard substitute since ancient times
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden border edging
- Rock gardens
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Used for digestive disorders in ancient times
- Used in folk remedies for rheumatism
Caution:
Medical use is not recommended in modern times.
Other
- Attracts butterflies and bees as nectar source
- Used as ground cover
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Edible with no particular toxicity reported
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia
American Laurel
Spoonwood
Scientific Name:
Kalmia latifolia
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
Graceful woman
-
Great hope
-
Ambition
Description
Kalmia is an evergreen shrub of the Ericaceae family native to North America, also known as American Rhododendron. It produces beautiful pentagonal cup-shaped flowers from distinctive buds resembling star candy or chocolate. It blooms from April to June with colors ranging from white to pink to red. It has a unique mechanism where pollen is released when insects touch the flowers. It came to Japan in 1915 as a return gift for cherry trees sent by Tokyo City.
Trivia
- Flowers have a 'spring mechanism' that releases pollen when insects touch them
- Called 'Lambkill' because sheep get poisoned from eating leaves
- Honey becomes toxic, sometimes called 'mad honey'
- Designated as Pennsylvania state flower since 1933
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Hedges
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Used by Native Americans for skin diseases
- Currently prohibited for medicinal use
Caution:
Contains grayanotoxin and is toxic, strictly prohibited for medical use.
Culinary
Toxic, not suitable for consumption
Other
- Wood used for utensils and crafts
- Valuable as nectar source but honey is toxic
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially leaves
Symptoms:
Grayanotoxin poisoning symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, breathing difficulties, consciousness disorders