Japanese Plum
Japanese Apricot
Ume
Scientific Name:
Prunus mume
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
faithfulness
-
indomitable spirit
-
noble spirit
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Originally from China, introduced to Japan between the Asuka and Nara periods. Its flowers blooming gracefully in the harsh cold symbolize perseverance and nobility. Both flowers and fruits have been beloved in Japanese culture for centuries, used for ornamental purposes and culinary applications.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'mume' derives from Edo period Japanese pronunciation
- Dazaifu Tenmangu has over 6,000 plum trees visited by 2 million people annually
- Over 300 varieties exist with diverse flower colors and shapes
- Generally blooms in order: white, red, then light pink
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers (ideal for ikebana)
- Garden planting (ornamental plum)
- Bonsai (traditional cultivation)
Medicinal
- Plum extract for digestive and fatigue recovery
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine as 'ubai'
Caution:
Avoid eating unripe fruits due to cyanogenic glycosides
Culinary
- Fruits (after processing)
- Flowers (salted for seasoning)
Other
- Natural dyeing (using branches and bark)
- Woodworking (craft production)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Unripe fruits, Seeds, Leaves
Symptoms:
Cyanogenic glycosides in unripe fruits and seeds may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and breathing difficulties
Manuka
Tea Tree
New Zealand Tea Tree
Scientific Name:
Leptospermum scoparium
Family:
Myrtaceae
Flower Language
-
shyness
-
honeymoon
-
glamorous life
Description
An evergreen shrub native to New Zealand and Australia. Called 'Manuka' in Maori language, its flowers produce honey with renowned antibacterial properties. Can be grown in gardens in southern Kanto and westward, loved for its beautiful clusters of small flowers.
Trivia
- MGO (methylglyoxal) content in Manuka honey indicates antibacterial strength
- New Zealand produces about 17,000 tons of Manuka honey annually
- Japanese name means 'honorable willow plum' from leaf and flower resemblance
- Bark was historically used as tea substitute
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden planting (hedges or specimen)
- Potted plants (compact varieties)
Medicinal
- Manuka honey (powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory)
- Essential oil from leaves (aromatherapy)
Caution:
Essential oil should be diluted due to high concentration. Avoid during pregnancy
Culinary
Only Manuka honey from flowers is edible (flowers themselves are not edible)
Other
- Beekeeping industry (Manuka honey production)
- Essential oil industry (tea tree oil)
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic, but essential oil requires caution due to high concentration
Violet
Purple Violet
Wild Violet
Scientific Name:
Viola mandshurica
Family:
Violaceae
Flower Language
-
modesty
-
sincerity
-
small happiness
Characteristics
Colors:
purple
Description
A perennial herb native to Japan, Korean Peninsula, and China. Its small yet distinctive purple flowers symbolize modesty and sincerity. Grows wild in mountains and fields, historically used for food and medicine.
Trivia
- Napoleon kept violets from Josephine until his death
- State flower of Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island
- Scientific name Viola is also the origin of the musical instrument viola
- About 50 species of violets grow wild in Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Natural wildflower gardens
- Tea ceremony flower arrangements
- Pressed flowers and dried arrangements
Medicinal
- Diuretic properties
- Blood pressure reduction
- Cough suppressant
Caution:
Some Violaceae species are toxic; medicinal use requires expert knowledge
Culinary
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Young shoots
Other
- Natural dye (purple color)
- Perfume ingredient (sweet violets)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds, Rhizomes
Symptoms:
Neurotoxic violinin in seeds and rhizomes may cause neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities
Paper Bush
Mitsumata
Oriental Paperbush
Scientific Name:
Edgeworthia chrysantha
Family:
Thymelaeaceae
Description
A deciduous shrub originally from China, long cultivated in Japan. Named for its characteristic three-way branching pattern. The bark's strong fibers are used for high-quality Japanese paper and currency. Blooms with fragrant yellow flowers in early spring.
Trivia
- Bank of Japan notes use mitsumata fibers
- Fibers from one branch are about 30 centimeters long
- Unique pruning due to three-way branching pattern
- Flower language 'tenacity' comes from its use in paper-making
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees (beautiful unique form)
- Tea ceremony flowers (precious early spring material)
- Flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Fever reduction (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Medicinal use requires expert knowledge. Avoid self-medication
Other
- Japanese paper making (premium washi material)
- Currency production (used in Japanese banknotes)
- Craft production
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bark, Leaves
Symptoms:
Contact with sap or bark may cause dermatitis or skin irritation
Nemophila
Baby Blue Eyes
Five Spot
Scientific Name:
Nemophila menziesii
Family:
Boraginaceae
Flower Language
-
success everywhere
-
lovely
-
I forgive you
Description
An annual herb native to North America. Blooms with clear blue flowers in spring, creating beautiful blue carpet-like landscapes when grown in masses. Particularly famous at Nemophila Hill in Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki, attracting many tourists.
Trivia
- Hitachi Seaside Park plants about 5.3 million nemophila flowers
- Individual flowers are only 2cm diameter but spectacular in masses
- English name 'Baby Blue Eyes' comes from the blue eye-like flower color
- Takes about 5 months from seeding to blooming
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds (spring color)
- Ground cover (blue carpet effect)
- Container gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal uses
Other
- Tourism industry (flower carpet attractions)
- Photography spots
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic