Tulip
Garden Tulip
Common Tulip
Scientific Name:
Tulipa gesneriana
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Declaration of Love
-
Charity
-
Thoughtfulness
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Tulips spread from Turkey to the Netherlands around the 16th century and had a significant impact on Dutch gardens, which were previously dominated by herbs and fruit trees. Today, over 5,000 varieties are registered, with approximately 1,000 varieties cultivated worldwide. They are widely used in spring flower beds, potted plants, and as cut flowers.
Trivia
- The world's first speculative bubble, called 'Tulip Mania', occurred in 17th century Netherlands, where a single bulb was traded for the price of a house
- The name originates from the Turkish word 'tulband' meaning turban
- The Netherlands, the world's largest tulip bulb producer, displays 7 million tulips annually at Keukenhof Gardens
- Tulip farmers can develop 'tulip fingers', a dermatitis condition from prolonged contact with cut stem surfaces
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden bedding
- Potted plants
- Container gardening
- Landscape use in parks and gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxicity of all parts
Other
- Commercial bulb production
- Horticultural industry
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Stems, Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Can cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of appetite, lethargy, kidney failure, and in severe cases, death
Purple Magnolia
Mulan Magnolia
Lily Magnolia
Scientific Name:
Magnolia liliiflora
Family:
Magnoliaceae
Flower Language
-
Love of Nature
-
Sublime
-
Dignity
Description
Native to southern China, this plant has long been revered as a noble flower planted in palaces and temples. When people refer to magnolia, they often mean this variety, while white magnolia is called Hakumokuren to distinguish it. It has a long history, having been introduced from China in ancient times, as evidenced by its mention in the Heian period work 'Wamyō Ruijushō'.
Trivia
- Named 'mokuren' because its flowers resemble lotus and its fragrance resembles orchids
- Wild specimens are listed as endangered in China
- Flowers bloom before leaves emerge, creating a striking display
- Introduced to Japan during the Heian period and recorded in the ancient text 'Wamyō Ruijushō'
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park landscaping
- Temple grounds
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Flower buds used as 'Xinyi' medicine for rhinitis and sinusitis treatment
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for warming lungs and dispersing cold
Caution:
Avoid self-medication; use only under professional guidance
Culinary
Not commonly used for culinary purposes
Other
- Fragrance ingredient
- Wood also used for lumber
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity generally reported
Epimedium
Barrenwort
Bishop's Hat
Fairy Wings
Scientific Name:
Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum
Family:
Berberidaceae
Flower Language
-
I won't let you go
-
Life's new beginning
Description
A deciduous perennial that grows in deciduous forests in the low mountains of the Pacific side from Tohoku southward and Shikoku. Called 'Ikarisou' because its flower shape resembles a Japanese ship's anchor. The whole plant is used as the tonic medicine 'Inyokaku' and is also cultivated for ornamental purposes and as ground cover in shade gardens.
Trivia
- Named 'Ikarisou' because its flowers resemble Japanese ship anchors
- The famous energy drink 'Yunker' contains components of Epimedium
- Called 'Inyokaku' in China from a legend that sheep become lustful after eating it
- Icariin, a flavonoid glycoside, is known as the main active component
Uses
Ornamental
- Shade gardens
- Ground cover
- Alpine plant arrangements
- Tea ceremony flowers
Medicinal
- Whole plant used as 'Inyokaku' for strengthening and vitality
- Diuretic effects
- Joint pain relief
Caution:
Avoid excessive consumption without proper knowledge; use only under professional guidance
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Health food and supplement ingredient
- Horticultural plant trade
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant
Symptoms:
Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal disorders and headaches
Madagascar Jasmine
Bridal Wreath
Stephanotis
Wax Flower
Scientific Name:
Stephanotis floribunda
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
Pure prayer
-
Beloved bride
-
Journey together to distant places
Description
A climbing perennial native to Madagascar, Africa. Despite having 'jasmine' in its name, it is completely unrelated to true jasmine (Oleaceae family), sharing only a similar fragrance. Its pure white beautiful flowers evoke the image of a bride in a white dress, making it popular as bridal bouquet material.
Trivia
- Despite the name 'jasmine', it belongs to a completely different plant family from true jasmine
- Cutting the vine produces white sap that can cause skin irritation when touched
- Beloved worldwide as a standard flower for bridal bouquets
- Strong fragrance requires attention to ventilation when grown indoors
Uses
Ornamental
- Bridal bouquets
- Wedding decorations
- Greenhouse pot cultivation
- Arch decoration as climbing plant
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxicity
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Fragrance ingredient
- Decorative cut flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant, Especially stem sap
Symptoms:
Alkaloid poisoning symptoms, skin contact may cause irritation
Wax Plant
Hoya
Porcelain Flower
Honey Plant
Scientific Name:
Hoya carnosa
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
Life's departure
-
Sympathy
-
Satisfaction
Description
A climbing perennial native to southern Japan, tropical Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands. Named 'Sakuraran' because its flower color resembles cherry blossoms and its succulent leaves resemble orchids. Flowers start white and gradually turn pink over time, with red centers and a sweet fragrance.
Trivia
- The genus name Hoya honors British gardener 'Mr. Hoy'
- Species name 'carnosa' means 'fleshy', referring to its thick leaves
- The Hoya genus contains 100-200 species, mostly distributed in tropical rainforests
- Set as birth flower for both March 21st and December 17th
Uses
Ornamental
- Houseplant
- Hanging baskets
- Climbing plant with support
- Interior plants
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Horticultural industry
- Interior decoration
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stem sap
Symptoms:
Sap from cut stems may cause skin irritation