Peach
Peach Blossom
Flowering Peach
Scientific Name:
Prunus persica
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
captivated by you
-
invincible
-
kind nature
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Peach is a deciduous tree from China in the Rosaceae family, introduced from China long ago and widely used for ornamental and fruit purposes. It blooms beautiful pink flowers from March to April, slightly earlier than cherry blossoms. Characterized by pointed petal tips, producing 1-2 flowers per node. Horticultural varieties with particularly beautiful flowers are called 'Flowering Peach' and widely cultivated as garden trees and cut branches. March 3rd Girls' Day is also called 'Peach Festival', cherished as a flower for dispelling evil spirits and praying for health.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'persica' means Persian origin but actual origin is China
- Ancient cultivated plant said to have arrived in Japan during Yayoi period
- Symbol of Japanese culture playing important role in Momotaro story
- Many current flowering peach varieties improved during Edo period
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden tree (flowering peach)
- Cut flowers for Girls' Day decorations
- Used in parks and street trees
Medicinal
- Peach leaves used for medicinal baths for eczema and rash
- Peach flowers said effective for constipation and diuresis
- Peach kernels used in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Seeds contain toxic compounds, professional consultation required
Culinary
- fruit
- flowers (small amounts)
Other
- Wood used for furniture and carving
- Peach leaf extract used in cosmetics
- Important as ceremonial peach branches
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
seeds, leaves (large amounts)
Symptoms:
Possible cyanide poisoning from amygdalin in seeds
Schizanthus
Butterfly Flower
Poor Man's Orchid
Scientific Name:
Schizanthus × wisetonensis
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
together forever
-
bonds of love
-
let's dance together
Characteristics
Colors:
multicolor (pink, white, purple, yellow, etc.)
Description
Schizanthus is an annual herb from Chile's Andes in the Solanaceae family, also known as Butterfly Flower. From March to May, it produces abundant flowers, sometimes completely covering the plant at peak bloom. Flowers resemble fluttering butterflies, with petals that split at edges, giving rise to the scientific name meaning 'split flower'. Growing 30cm-1m tall with delicately divided pinnate leaves. Prefers cool, dry conditions, making it unsuitable for ground planting in Japan's rainy climate.
Trivia
- Genus name Schizanthus derives from Greek 'split flower'
- English name 'Poor Man's Orchid' from beauty despite low cost
- Single plant can produce hundreds of flowers at peak bloom
- Most horticultural varieties created through interspecific hybridization
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plant appreciation
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- No common medicinal uses known
Caution:
Caution needed as member of nightshade family
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Used as breeding parent for horticultural varieties
- Material for flower arrangements
- Popular as greenhouse display plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
whole plant
Symptoms:
As nightshade family member, may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
German Chamomile
Wild Chamomile
Scented Mayweed
Scientific Name:
Matricaria chamomilla
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
enduring hardship
-
healing you
-
strength born from adversity
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
German Chamomile is an annual herb from the Mediterranean in the Asteraceae family, long treasured as medicinal herb. White flowers about 2cm in diameter develop raised yellow centers with reflexed white petals as they mature. Flowers have apple-like sweet fruity fragrance, with etymology meaning 'ground apple'. Officially recognized as medicinal plant in Germany, known for sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Often consumed as herbal tea for stress relief and sleep aid effects.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'Matricaria' means 'womb', used as women's herb
- Herbal tea given by mother to Peter in Peter Rabbit stories
- Officially approved for therapeutic use by German Commission E
- Characteristic hollow flower centers
Uses
Ornamental
- Herb garden cultivation
- Fragrant flower beds
- Used as companion plant
Medicinal
- Sedative and relaxation effects
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Digestive promotion effects
Caution:
Avoid use if allergic to Asteraceae family
Culinary
- flowers
- leaves (small amounts)
Other
- Essential oil for aromatherapy
- Used as bath additive
- Cosmetic ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity at appropriate usage levels (excluding allergic reactions)
Almond
Sweet Almond
Almond Tree
Scientific Name:
Prunus dulcis
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
hope
-
true love
-
eternal kindness
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
Almond is a deciduous tree from Central Asia in the Rosaceae family, growing to about 5m tall. From March to April, it produces cherry-like flowers about 3cm in diameter covering branches before leaves emerge. Flower colors include deep pink, peach, and white with deep red centers. Flowers are virtually identical to peach or single-flowered ornamental peach, making identification difficult. While fruit flesh is thin and inedible, the kernel inside the shell becomes 'raw almond' for consumption. Sweet varieties (sweet almond) are edible while bitter varieties (bitter almond) are toxic.
Trivia
- California produces about 80% of world's almonds
- Almond flowers are so similar to peach flowers they're indistinguishable
- Takes about 4 liters of water to produce one almond
- Scientific name 'dulcis' is Latin meaning 'sweet'
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden tree
- Ornamental use in parks
- Used as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Almond oil used for skincare
- Used for cough relief in traditional medicine
- Rich in vitamin E with antioxidant effects
Caution:
Bitter almonds are toxic and prohibited for consumption
Culinary
- seeds (sweet varieties only)
Other
- Almond oil production
- Cosmetic ingredient
- Wood used for furniture and carving
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
bitter almond seeds, leaves (large amounts)
Symptoms:
Possible cyanide poisoning from amygdalin in bitter almonds