Saxifraga
Rockfoil
Irish Saxifrage
European Saxifrage
Scientific Name:
Saxifraga merkii
Family:
Saxifragaceae
Flower Language
-
Confidence
-
Vitality
-
Charming confession
Description
Saxifraga, commonly known as Kumomagusa (cloud grass), is a perennial native to Europe. The scientific name 'Saxifraga' means 'stone breaker' in Latin, referring to its habit of growing in rocky places. Named 'cloud grass' because it blooms on high mountain rocks where clouds gather. In spring, it produces small pink or white flowers successively, with plants forming compact mat-like growth. Cold-hardy but heat-sensitive, often treated as annual in Japan.
Trivia
- Scientific name etymology from Latin meaning 'stone breaker'
- Named cloud grass for growing in high mountains among clouds
- European garden varieties differ from Japanese wild species
- Can be found at altitudes over 3000m in the Alps
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Rock gardens
- Alpine gardens
Medicinal
- Used for kidney diseases in European folk medicine
- Not currently used medicinally
Caution:
Medical use is not recommended in modern times.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Alpine garden exhibitions
- Used as educational plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Spring Orchid
Noble Orchid
East Asian Cymbidium
Scientific Name:
Cymbidium goeringii
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
Honest gestures
-
Unaffected heart
-
Modest beauty
Description
Spring Orchid is a member of the Cymbidium family native to Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan. In spring (March to April), it quietly blooms pale green or pale yellow flowers in deciduous forests. The flowers are edible and used in Japanese cuisine, preserved in salt or plum vinegar to make 'orchid tea' served at celebrations, or used in tempura and boiled dishes as high-class ingredients. A wild orchid long beloved by Japanese people and popular as a garden plant.
Trivia
- Also called 'Hokuro' or 'Jijibaba' in Japanese
- Orchid tea is drunk as lucky charm at celebrations
- Short flowering period, scatters in just a few days
- Appears in 'Man'yoshu' as Japan's oldest orchid
Uses
Ornamental
- Bonsai
- Wild plant cultivation
- Tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
- Used for nourishment and stamina in ancient China
- Currently mainly used for culinary purposes
Caution:
Collection of wild specimens should be avoided from nature conservation perspective.
Other
- Used as fragrance
- Cultivated as scholar's beloved plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Edible with no particular toxicity reported
Cineraria
Florist's Cineraria
Pericallis
Scientific Name:
Pericallis × hybrida
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Cineraria is an Asteraceae plant native to the Canary Islands, originally perennial but treated as annual in Japan due to heat sensitivity. It blooms for a long period from November to May with abundant flower colors including blue, purple, white, and pink. The radial flowers bloom in compact clusters, giving bright and cheerful impressions during cold winter periods, hence the flower language of 'cheerful' and 'joy.'
Trivia
- Originally called 'Cineraria' but renamed due to death association in Japanese
- Current 'Cineria' also sometimes avoided due to disaster association
- Flower color variety particularly notable among Asteraceae
- Popular for year-end gifts due to controllable flowering time through temperature management
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Winter flower beds
- Indoor decoration
Medicinal
- No medicinal use reported
Caution:
Medical use is not recommended.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Greenhouse horticulture teaching material
- Use in horticultural therapy
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild digestive upset