March 12

Birth Flower

Candytuft
Iberis Rocket Candytuft

Scientific Name: Iberis umbellata
Family: Brassicaceae

Flower Language

  • resurrection
  • attraction
  • first love memories

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Candytuft is a Brassicaceae plant native to southern Europe and North Africa, also known by its scientific name Iberis. Small white flowers cluster together to form flower heads resembling sugar candy. It has heliotropism where stems and flowers bend toward the sun, earning it the alternative name 'Bending Flower'. Plant height varies from 10-60cm depending on variety, with both annual and perennial types. Blooms from April to June with colors including white, pink, purple, and red.

Trivia

  • English name 'Candy tuft' derives from resemblance to sugar candy
  • Scientific name 'Iberis' comes from ancient name of Spain 'Iberia'
  • Shares heliotropism with sunflowers in following the sun
  • Both annual and perennial types available for different uses

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower bed cultivation
  • Border gardens
  • Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Limited traditional medicinal use

Caution: Use primarily for ornamental purposes, consult experts for medicinal use

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Used as nectar source plant
  • Used as ground cover
  • Used in rock gardens

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: whole plant

Symptoms: May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort with large amounts

Kaffir Lily
Clivia Bush Lily

Scientific Name: Clivia miniata
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • nobility
  • compassionate
  • sincerity

Characteristics

Colors: orange

Description

Clivia is a perennial from South Africa in the Amaryllidaceae family. Despite having 'lily' in its name, it's not related to orchids. From March to May, it extends flower stems from the center of glossy dark green leaves and produces 15-20 orange trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters. Flowers are about 10cm long and give a luxurious impression. Also popular as a houseplant for its beautiful leaves outside blooming period, it's called the 'flower of happiness' and considered auspicious.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'miniata' is Latin meaning vermillion
  • Introduced to Europe in 19th century and became popular among aristocracy
  • Single plant can continue flowering for over 50 years
  • Cherished as 'heirloom plant' passed down through generations

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plant appreciation
  • Indoor houseplant
  • Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used as medicinal herb in South Africa
  • Said to have anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Dangerous for medicinal use as it's toxic

Culinary

Not edible due to toxicity

Other
  • Distributed as luxury houseplant
  • Used in bridal decorations
  • Used as breeding parent for horticultural varieties

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: whole plant, especially rhizome

Symptoms: Severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia

Wax Flower
Chamelaucium Geraldton Wax

Scientific Name: Chamelaucium uncinatum
Family: Myrtaceae

Flower Language

  • loveliness
  • unrecognized virtues
  • delicacy

Characteristics

Colors: pink

Description

Wax Flower is an evergreen shrub native to Western Australia in the Myrtaceae family. Named for its waxy, lustrous petals that appear to be coated with wax. From mid-April to early June, it produces small flowers in red, pink, and white clusters. Leaves are elongated, and the bush-like form with many branches creates a fluffy, delicate appearance. Touching leaves or stems releases a refreshing citrus fragrance. While drought-tolerant, it dislikes hot, humid conditions.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'Chamelaucium' means 'low white flower' in Greek
  • Long-lasting as cut flower, can be enjoyed for over 2 weeks
  • Also called 'Geraldton Wax' in Australia
  • Citrus fragrance used in aromatherapy

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as cut flowers
  • Flower arrangements
  • Bridal decorations
Medicinal
  • Traditional use by Australian aborigines
  • Relaxation effects in aromatherapy

Caution: Professional consultation required for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Raw material for aroma oils
  • Used as dried flowers
  • Used for fragrance

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported with normal use

Scotch Broom
Common Broom Genista

Scientific Name: Cytisus scoparius
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Language

  • purity
  • humility
  • cleanliness

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Scotch Broom is a deciduous shrub from central-western Europe in the legume family. From May to June, it produces bright yellow butterfly-shaped flowers characteristic of legumes, densely covering drooping green branches. Adapted to arid conditions with small leaves, the green branches also perform photosynthesis. Growing 1-3m tall, branches are well-branched and arch-shaped. Historically used to make brooms by bundling branches, hence the English name 'Broom'. A hardy plant tolerant of drought and cold.

Trivia

  • Scientific name 'scoparius' means broom-like in Greek
  • Brought to Nagasaki by Dutch ship around 1670 in Edo period
  • Used in Plantagenet family coat of arms
  • As legume, has root nodule bacteria that enriches soil

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted as garden tree
  • Used in parks
  • Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used as diuretic
  • Used for treating heart conditions

Caution: Contains toxic alkaloids, medicinal use now dangerous

Culinary

Not edible due to toxicity

Other
  • Historically used for broom material
  • Used as dye
  • Used for soil improvement

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: whole plant, especially seeds

Symptoms: Alkaloid poisoning causing vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmia