Ebine Calanthe
Hardy Calanthe
Scientific Name:
Calanthe discolor
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
elegance
-
modesty
-
sincerity
Characteristics
Colors:
brown and white, rarely green or red
Description
A popular orchid among native Japanese orchids with many horticultural varieties. Named 'Ebine' because its roots have many nodes resembling a shrimp's back. The rhizomes near the ground surface curve and connect like shrimp, and in spring, 1-3 flower stems rise from the center of the plant, blooming 10-30 flowers in spikes with brown petals and white lips, rarely green or red, or pale yellow with pink or pale yellow lips.
Trivia
- designated as near threatened species on Japan's Red List
- old bulbs can remain for over 10 years
- wild populations drastically reduced due to horticultural collection
- many horticultural varieties have been developed in Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- alpine garden
- orchid cultivation
- ornamental potted plant
Medicinal
- historical use as folk medicine
Caution:
collection of wild specimens strictly prohibited, near threatened species
Culinary
not suitable for consumption
Other
- breeding parent in horticulture
- conservation target
Toxicity
Symptoms:
no toxicity reported
Cherry Blossom
Japanese Cherry
Sakura
Scientific Name:
Cerasus speciosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
spiritual beauty
-
graceful woman
-
purity
Characteristics
Colors:
white, light pink, deep pink
Description
Representative spring flower; across Japan's long archipelago, from Okinawa to Hokkaido, there are varieties suited to each region, allowing enjoyment of various cherry blossoms following the seasons. Japan has over 100 native cherry species based on 9 basic species including varieties, with over 200 horticultural cultivars. Characterized by five large petals and being bisexual flowers with pistils and numerous stamens in each flower.
Trivia
- Japan Meteorological Agency announces cherry blossom forecasts
- individual flower lifespan is about one week
- Someiyoshino is the most planted variety in Japan
- cherry blossom front progresses from south to north over about 2 months
Uses
Ornamental
- park planting
- street trees
- garden trees
- flower viewing
Medicinal
- cherry bark used for cough relief
- petals used for cherry tea
Caution:
leaves and seeds contain trace toxic components
Culinary
- petals
- young leaves (salt-pickled)
Other
- wood utilization
- tourism resource
- cultural symbol
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
seeds, leaves (when consumed in large amounts)
Symptoms:
seeds contain trace cyanide compounds but pose no problem with normal use
Chinese Milk Vetch
Astragalus
Milk Vetch
Scientific Name:
Astragalus sinicus
Family:
Fabaceae
Flower Language
-
relieve my suffering
-
peace
-
you are happy
Characteristics
Colors:
pink, purple
Description
Beautiful flowers bloom radially on 10-15cm flower stems, with small bean flowers that are white near the base and become deeper pink toward the petal tips. With a height of 10-30cm and spreading horizontally in a creeping manner, you can enjoy the sight of them growing in colonies during flowering season. As a legume plant, it symbiotically hosts root nodule bacteria, storing nitrogen in roots and enriching the soil.
Trivia
- species name 'sinicus' means China in Latin
- over 200,000 hectares cultivated in Japan until 1960s
- name 'Genge' comes from purple cloud-like flower appearance
- known as excellent nectar source for honey
Uses
Ornamental
- wildflower garden
- natural style garden
- tourism for colony sites
Medicinal
- folk medicine use
- nectar source for honey
Caution:
medicinal use under professional guidance
Culinary
- young stems and leaves
- flowers
Other
- green manure crop
- soil improvement
- nectar source plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
generally considered non-toxic
Cineraria
Florist's Cineraria
Saineria
Scientific Name:
Pericallis × hybrida
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
always cheerful
-
joy
-
pure love
Characteristics
Colors:
blue, purple, pink, white, red
Description
A horticultural variety created by crossing several species of Pericallis genus native to the Canary Islands. Called 'Saineria' in the horticultural industry to avoid the negative connotations of 'Cineraria.' Popular as a potted flower that brightens interiors during cold winter months, blooming from November to May of the following year. Available in rich flower colors including blue, purple, pink, white, and red, also called Fukizakura because its leaves resemble butterbur.
Trivia
- unusual flower that changed name from 'Cineraria' to 'Saineria'
- created by crossing multiple species from Canary Islands
- also called Fukizakura because leaves resemble butterbur
- one of the representative winter-blooming potted flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- indoor potted plants
- winter decoration
- gift potted flowers
Medicinal
Caution:
no particular cautions
Culinary
not suitable for consumption
Other
- indoor decoration
- winter gifts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
entire plant
Symptoms:
may cause mild skin irritation