Japanese Cornel
Asiatic Cornelian Cherry
Japanese Cornelian Cherry
Scientific Name:
Cornus officinalis
Family:
Cornaceae
Flower Language
-
Eternity
-
Persistence
-
Endurance
Description
Sanshyu is a deciduous small tree of the Cornaceae family native to Zhejiang Province, China and the Korean Peninsula. It was brought to Japan as a medicinal plant during the Kyoho era of the Edo period. Called 'Harukogane-bana' (spring golden flower) because it blooms small yellow flowers all over the tree before leaves emerge in early spring. In autumn, it produces glossy red fruits similar to gumi, which are important medicinal plants used as tonic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.
Trivia
- Beautiful Japanese name 'Harukogane-bana' proposed by botanist Makino Tomitaro
- Also called 'Akisango' after its red autumn fruits
- Source plant for herbal medicine used in Japanese banknotes
- Offers two viewing seasons: spring flowers and autumn fruits from one tree
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park trees
- Early spring ornamental
Medicinal
- Used as tonic in traditional Chinese medicine
- Treatment for urinary disorders
- Treatment for tinnitus and dizziness
Caution:
Medicinal use should be conducted under expert guidance.
Culinary
- Fruits (for medicinal purposes)
Other
- Used as dye
- Wood used for crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Unripe fruits, Large amounts of seeds
Symptoms:
Unripe fruits or large consumption may cause digestive upset
Parrot Tulip
Fringed Tulip
Feathered Tulip
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
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Expression of love
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Thoughtfulness
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Perfect love
Description
Parrot tulips are varieties with cut and frilled, twisted petals that bloom dramatically when opened, named after their resemblance to parrot feathers. They bloom in a dramatic, disheveled manner and are a popular series in recent years. Their unique and distinctive appearance makes them stand out even as single flowers, representing modern tulips that have diversified in both form and color through breeding while remaining the familiar spring flower everyone knows.
Trivia
- In 17th century Netherlands, a single bulb could be worth as much as a house
- Parrot tulip fringes result from genetic mutations
- Name origin believed to be from Turkish word 'turban'
- Netherlands produces about 3 billion bulbs annually
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden bed planting
- Cut flowers
- Bulb cultivation
Medicinal
- No medicinal use reported
Caution:
Bulbs are toxic, do not use for food or medicine.
Culinary
Toxic, not suitable for consumption
Other
- Star of flower exhibitions
- Educational material for horticulture
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
Bulb consumption may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis
Oriental Paperbush
Mitsumata
Paperbush
Edgeworthia
Scientific Name:
Edgeworthia chrysantha
Family:
Thymelaeaceae
Flower Language
-
Tenacity
-
Robust health
-
Family bonds
Description
Mitsumata is a deciduous shrub of the Thymelaeaceae family native to central-southern China and the Himalayan region. It came to Japan as raw material for Japanese paper during the Warring States period of the 16th century. Named 'three-forked' because branches always divide into three, it blooms yellow flowers at the tips of three-forked branches from March to April. The bark fiber is extremely strong and still plays an important role as raw material for high-quality Japanese paper, including Japanese banknotes.
Trivia
- Still used as raw material for Japanese 10,000 and 1,000 yen bills
- Has unique characteristic of branches always dividing into three
- Japanese paper made from bark is resistant to tearing even when wet
- Historic plant that came to Japan during Keicho era (1596-1615)
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park trees
- Spring ornamental
Medicinal
- Used for fever reduction in ancient China
- Not currently used medicinally
Caution:
Medical use is not recommended in modern times.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Japanese paper manufacturing (banknotes, luxury paper)
- Fiber craft materials
- Traditional craft raw materials
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bark, Leaves
Symptoms:
Bark or leaf consumption may cause mild digestive upset or dermatitis