March 17

Birth Flower

Blue Lace Flower
Didiscus Sky Blue Lace Flower

Scientific Name: Trachymene caerulea
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Language

  • silent love
  • delicate beauty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A cultivated variety improved from the monotypic species caerulea. Colors include not only blue but also pink and white. Although similar in name to White Lace Flower, they are completely different plants. Characterized by small flowers clustering together to form one large flower, with each individual floret being relatively large. Small flowers densely grow in umbrella-like formations, rising hemispherically into clusters about 5-7cm in diameter. The leaves and stems have fine downy hairs, and the pale flower tones give a gentle impression.

Trivia

  • The scientific name Trachymene derives from Greek 'trachys (rough) + meninx (membrane),' referring to fruit shape.
  • Completely different from White Lace Flower, though often confused due to similar names.
  • 40-50 native species grow wild in Australia.
  • Excellent longevity as cut flowers, making them valuable for arrangements.

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower arrangements
  • Bouquets
Medicinal
  • No particular medicinal uses.

Caution: No confirmed medicinal uses.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Dried flowers
  • Pressed flowers

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic.

Ixia
African Corn Lily Wand Flower

Scientific Name: Ixia hybrida
Family: Iridaceae

Flower Language

  • unity
  • proud
  • secret love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A bulb flower that blooms small flowers in spike-like clusters in spring. Good flower longevity makes long-stemmed varieties suitable for cut flowers. Very weak against rain, making container cultivation more suitable than garden planting. Beautiful flowers bloom densely on wire-like slender, flexible stems, reaching 30-80cm in height and 15-30cm in width. Flowers close at night and in rainy weather, opening wide during the day. Bulbs are shaped like shallots, about 2cm in diameter. Hardy nature, similar to freesias and spring gladioli, easy to grow with attention to winter cold, and bulbs multiply well.

Trivia

  • The name Ixia comes from ancient Greek meaning 'bird lime,' referring to the sticky sap from damaged stems and leaves.
  • Japanese name 'Yari-zuisen' (Spear Narcissus) comes from the lance-like shape of narrow leaves.
  • 40-50 native species grow wild in South Africa, offering diverse flower colors.
  • Flowers open and close following the sun's movement, remaining closed on cloudy days.

Uses

Ornamental
  • Container planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • No particular medicinal uses.

Caution: No confirmed medicinal uses.

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption.

Other
  • Dried flowers
  • Horticultural collections

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic.

Japanese Cornel
Cornelian Cherry Japanese Cornelian Cherry

Scientific Name: Cornus officinalis
Family: Cornaceae

Flower Language

  • persistence
  • robustness
  • endurance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Blooms yellow flowers before leaves emerge in early spring. About 30 small yellow flowers cluster together to form small inflorescences 2-3cm in diameter, flowering from mid-February to early April. In autumn, produces red fruits resembling elaeagnus, with peak fruit viewing from October to December. Fruits are used in traditional Chinese medicine for aphrodisiac effects, hemostasis, tonic strengthening, frequent urination, astringent properties, cold constitution, hypotension, and insomnia. Called 'Spring Golden Flower' for its golden early blooms and 'Autumn Coral' for its coral-like red autumn fruits.

Trivia

  • Scientific name Cornus means 'horn' in Latin, referring to the hard wood texture.
  • Officinalis means 'medicinal,' indicating its pharmaceutical value.
  • In China, used as 'Shan-zhu-yu' in important prescriptions like Liuwei Dihuang pills.
  • Extremely early flowering, sometimes blooming in snow, earning the name 'Snow Flower.'

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Park trees
  • Early spring ornamental
Medicinal
  • Tonic strengthening
  • Frequent urination improvement
  • Cold constitution
  • Hypotension
  • Insomnia

Caution: Expert guidance required when using as traditional medicine.

Culinary
  • Fruits (medicinal use)
Other
  • Timber use
  • Dye (from bark)

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Raw fruits (when consumed in large quantities)

Symptoms: No problem in appropriate amounts, but avoid large consumption of raw fruits.