Triteleia
Ithuriel's spear
Grass nut
Scientific Name:
Triteleia uniflora
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Description
As its common name 'flower leek' suggests, the bulbs have a garlic-like odor similar to leeks. The appearance of numerous small blue star-shaped flowers is charming. The leaves are wider and thicker than leeks. The scientific name 'Triteleia' derives from having 6 stamens, 3 pistil tips, and 6 petals - all multiples of 3.
Trivia
- Has exceptional vitality, resistant to both cold and heat
- Smells like leeks but is completely different from edible leeks
- May naturalize as an introduced species
- Star-shaped flowers give a very charming impression
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal use
Caution:
Contains toxic components, not suitable for food or medicine
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- May naturalize and become an introduced species
- Used by insects as a nectar source
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Entire plant
Symptoms:
Contains lycoris alkaloids and may cause severe diarrhea if ingested
Japanese Pieris
Lily-of-the-valley bush
Japanese Andromeda
Scientific Name:
Pieris japonica
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
I offer myself
-
pure heart
-
sacrifice
-
devotion
Description
Contains toxic components called grayanotoxins in its branches and leaves, and when horses eat it, their legs become numb, hence the kanji writing meaning 'tree that intoxicates horses.' The elegant appearance of white or pink urn-shaped flowers hanging in racemes in spring is graceful. Due to its toxicity, it's not eaten by deer and grows widely on forest floors in areas with many deer.
Trivia
- Mentioned as 'ashbi' in the Man'yoshu poetry collection
- Beekeepers must be careful as toxins can transfer to honey
- Used for deer damage control as deer don't eat it
- Blooming period is relatively long from February to May
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park planting
- Bonsai
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Used medicinally in ancient times but dangerous now
Caution:
Contains toxic grayanotoxins, absolutely avoid medicinal use
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Used as deer-resistant plant
- Soil improvement effects
- Literary motifs
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially leaves
Symptoms:
Causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and can be fatal in severe cases
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila elegans
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Named 'kasumi-sou' (mist grass) because the appearance of many white flowers on finely branched stems looks like mist. In English-speaking countries, it's called 'baby's breath,' a lovely name meaning 'baby's breath.' The scientific name meaning 'loves gypsum' in Greek was given because it prefers calcareous soil.
Trivia
- Used as soap substitute in ancient Egypt
- Scientific name Gypsophila means 'loves gypsum'
- Called 'Queen of Supporting Roles' in cut flowers
- Beauty is maintained for long periods even as dried flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Filler flowers
- Bouquets
- Flower beds
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal use
Caution:
Enjoy as ornamental plants
Other
- Used since ancient times to improve soap lathering
- Soil pH indicator plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Anemone
Windflower
Red Anemone
Scientific Name:
Anemone coronaria
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
A bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean coast that blooms vibrant red flowers in spring. Red anemones symbolize passionate love and in Greek mythology are said to have been born from the blood of the beautiful youth Adonis. Also called 'windflower' for the way it sways in the wind, and what appears to be petals are actually sepals.
Trivia
- What appears to be petals are actually sepals
- Sap from cut stems can cause dermatitis
- Contains the toxic compound protoanemonin
- Called 'windflower' for its beautiful swaying in the wind
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
Medicinal
- Used medicinally in ancient times
Caution:
Not recommended for medicinal use as entire plant is toxic
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Ornamental use
- Development of horticultural varieties
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially stem sap
Symptoms:
Can cause dermatitis, blisters, and gastroenteritis