February 16

Birth Flower

Freesia
Freesia refracta African iris

Scientific Name: Freesia refracta
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • innocence
  • friendship

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Freesia is a semi-hardy bulbous plant native to the Cape region of South Africa, belonging to the Iris family. Known for its excellent fragrance, it blooms in early spring with 6-12 flowers arranged along the stem. The plant grows to a height of 50-80cm and comes in over 150 cultivated varieties with various colors.

Trivia

  • Has a fragrance as strong as osmanthus or roses, but only synthetic fragrances are used in perfumery
  • Over 150 varieties exist due to Dutch breeding programs
  • Semi-hardy bulbs planted in autumn for spring blooming
  • Named after a physician friend by the discoverer, making it a symbol of friendship

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
  • Garden planting for spring displays
  • Pot cultivation for indoor growing
Medicinal
  • Aromatherapy for relaxation through fragrance

Caution: No confirmed medicinal uses

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Synthetic fragrance used in perfumery
  • Container gardening combinations

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Carnation
Pink Clove pink

Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • believing in love
  • pure and deep love
  • admiration
  • elegance
  • eternal happiness
  • friendship
  • pure love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Carnation is a perennial flower native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe and Western Asia, cultivated since ancient Greek and Roman times. Beloved worldwide as the Mother's Day flower, it comes in both standard single-bloom and spray varieties with abundant forms and diverse colors. It's one of the most popular flowers globally, ranking second in Japan's flower production after chrysanthemums.

Trivia

  • World's first blue carnation 'Moondust' created in 1995 using genetic modification
  • Exceptionally long-lasting, one of the most durable cut flowers
  • Stems break easily at nodes, requiring careful handling
  • Cultivated for over 2000 years since ancient times

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for bouquets
  • Garden bedding plants
  • Long-lasting potted plants
Medicinal
  • Occasionally used in traditional herbal teas

Caution: Medicinal effects not scientifically proven

Culinary
  • petals
Other
  • Fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics
  • Dried flowers for long-term preservation

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant (for pets)

Symptoms: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested