Japanese Iris
Rabbit-ear Iris
Kakitsubata
Scientific Name:
Iris laevigata
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
Vow of happiness
-
Good fortune will surely come
-
Eloquence
-
Longing
Description
A perennial that grows in colonies in wetlands. Characterized by leaves without raised ridges in the center, thin upright inner petals, and white to pale yellow markings in the center of outer petals. Long beloved in Japan, famous in Ariwara no Narihira's poem about kakitsubata in 'Ise Monogatari'. The name originates from 'kaki-tsuke-bana' (writing flower) because flower juice was used to dye cloth.
Trivia
- Chinese characters '燕子花' (swallow flower) named for purple flowers resembling flying swallows
- Kakitsubata colony in Chiryu City, Aichi Prefecture is designated as national natural monument
- Ariwara no Narihira's kakitsubata poem in 'Ise Monogatari' is known as masterpiece of Japanese classical literature
- Often confused with other iris species but distinguishable by habitat and flower characteristics
Uses
Ornamental
- Water gardens
- Pond plantings
- Bog gardens
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Dye (ancient times)
- Literary motif
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity generally reported
Fairy Primrose
Baby Primrose
Malacoides Primrose
Scientific Name:
Primula malacoides
Family:
Primulaceae
Flower Language
-
Simplicity
-
Opening destiny
-
Unpretentious love
-
Joy of youth
Description
An annual native to Yunnan Province, China (originally perennial but treated as annual due to cold sensitivity). Produces many small flowers on long stems in spring with a fluffy, gentle atmosphere. Among various Primula varieties, this is said to have the most authentic primrose-like charm. The Japanese name 'Kesho-zakura' (makeup cherry) comes from abundant pollen covering the entire plant.
Trivia
- Japanese name 'Kesho-zakura' (makeup cherry) comes from abundant pollen covering plant with white powder
- Alternative name 'Otome-zakura' (maiden cherry) describes small, lovely flowers
- Said to have the most authentic primrose-like charm among Primula varieties
- Also birth flower for January 21st
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring potted plants
- Flower beds
- Container arrangements
- Indoor decoration
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Horticultural industry
- Breeding research
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
May cause skin irritation upon contact (contains primin)
Hall's Crab Apple
Flowering Crab Apple
Chinese Flowering Apple
Scientific Name:
Malus halliana
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Sleeping beauty
-
Elegant beauty
-
Gentle
Description
A deciduous tree native to China, introduced to Japan in the early Edo period. While resembling cherry blossoms, it has longer flower stalks and blooms facing downward. The Tang Emperor Xuanzong compared the awakening Yang Guifei to Hanakaido, making it popular in China as a flower symbolizing beauty. It blooms with pale pink flowers covering its branches from April to May, producing small red fruits in autumn.
Trivia
- Also called Suishikaidou (hanging thread crab apple) referring to downward-hanging flowers
- The phrase about Yang Guifei 'the crab apple's sleep is not yet sufficient' is famous in Chinese literature
- Introduced to Japan in early Edo period, initially cultivated in daimyo gardens as rare flower
- Unlike cherry blossoms, has long flower stalks and blooms facing downward
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park landscaping
- Bonsai
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Other
- Horticultural industry
- Literary motif
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds
Symptoms:
Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, avoid consuming in large quantities
Alstroemeria
Peruvian Lily
Lily of the Incas
Scientific Name:
Alstroemeria aurea
Family:
Alstroemeriaceae
Flower Language
-
Persistence
-
Longing for the future
-
Lasting friendship
-
Devotion
Description
A perennial native to the Andes region of South America. Stems grow about 50cm from bulbs, standing straight and opening flowers as if looking up to the sky with hope for the future. Cut flowers can be enjoyed for about 2 weeks with proper care, making it one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Called 'Lily of the Incas' because it originates from the South American Andes where the Inca civilization arose.
Trivia
- Scientific name Alstroemeria is rare example of Linnaeus naming after friend
- Boasts amazing vase life of up to 2 weeks as cut flower
- About 100 species exist, mostly distributed in South America
- Netherlands is world's largest producer with many imports to Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Flower beds
- Potted plants
- Bouquets
Medicinal
Caution:
Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Culinary
Not used for culinary purposes
Other
- Cut flower industry
- Horticultural industry
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause skin irritation upon contact