Japanese Iris
Fringed Iris
Butterfly Flower
Scientific Name:
Iris japonica
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
self-assertion
-
decisiveness
-
rebellion
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Shaga is an evergreen perennial native to China in the Iridaceae family, introduced to Japan in ancient times. It blooms beautiful butterfly-like flowers with white petals marked with purple spots and yellow patterns from April to May. In China, it is called 'butterfly flower' (húdié huā), named for its flower shape resembling a butterfly. It prefers partial shade and grows well in moist locations. Since it doesn't produce seeds, it propagates through division.
Trivia
- A historic plant cultivated in Japan since the Heian period
- All individuals are identical clones through vegetative reproduction as they don't produce seeds
- Flowers are day-blooming, opening in the morning and wilting by evening
- The Chinese name 'butterfly flower' derives from the flower shape resembling dancing butterflies
Uses
Ornamental
- Used as ground cover in shaded gardens
- Important flower material for tea ceremony
- Shade gardens in Japanese-style landscapes
Medicinal
- In traditional Chinese medicine, believed to have detoxifying effects
- Used in folk medicine for pharyngitis treatment
Caution:
Effects in modern medicine unconfirmed, use for ornamental purposes is recommended
Culinary
For ornamental use only, no records of culinary use
Other
- Can be enjoyed as cut flowers for short periods
- Used as material for pressed flowers
- Petals used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
rhizome, leaves
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities, but no problem with normal ornamental use
Slipper Flower
Pocketbook Plant
Lady's Purse
Scientific Name:
Calceolaria integrifolia
Family:
Orobanchaceae
Flower Language
-
I will make you my companion
-
assistance
-
my happiness
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Calceolaria is a plant native to South America in the Orobanchaceae family, with its name derived from the Latin word meaning 'slipper'. It blooms uniquely shaped pouch-like yellow, orange, and red flowers from spring to early summer. Called 'slipper flower' or 'pocketbook plant' due to the flower shape resembling slippers or purses, it is popular as a greenhouse or indoor potted plant.
Trivia
- The genus name 'Calceolaria' derives from Latin 'calceus (shoe)'
- About 300 species exist worldwide, most distributed in the South American Andes
- The pouch-like flower structure evolved to promote efficient insect pollination
- In 19th century Europe, traded as very expensive greenhouse plants
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants for greenhouse appreciation
- Short-term indoor decoration
- Exhibition plants at spring garden fairs
Medicinal
- Used for skin ailments in South American indigenous folk medicine
- Currently not used medicinally
Caution:
Effects in modern medicine unconfirmed, use for ornamental purposes is recommended
Culinary
For ornamental use only, no records of culinary use
Other
- Flower arrangements utilizing the unique flower shape
- Educational use as plant specimens
- Psychological effects in horticultural therapy
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic, but avoid consumption as it is not edible
Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball Tree
Viburnum Plicatum
Scientific Name:
Viburnum plicatum var. plicatum
Family:
Adoxaceae
Flower Language
-
I promise
-
bond
-
gorgeous love
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Oodamari is a deciduous shrub native to Japan in the Adoxaceae family, a horticultural variety of Viburnum furcatum. It blooms large white ball-shaped flower clusters 10-15cm in diameter from April to May. All flowers are ornamental (sterile) flowers, so it doesn't produce fruit. Popular as a garden tree, its gorgeous flower clusters are often used for decorations at weddings and other events.
Trivia
- Introduced to Europe by Siebold in the 1860s
- Doesn't fruit as all flowers are ornamental, propagated by cuttings
- Flower clusters can sometimes exceed 500g in weight
- Received 'Award of Garden Merit' from the Royal Horticultural Society of Britain
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted alone as main flowering tree in gardens
- Decorative flowers for weddings and celebrations
- Enjoyed as cut flowers for short periods
Medicinal
- Believed to have fever-reducing effects in folk medicine
- Currently not used medicinally
Caution:
Effects in modern medicine unconfirmed, use for ornamental purposes is recommended
Culinary
For ornamental use only, no records of culinary use
Other
- Long-term preservation as dried flowers
- Main flower material for bridal decorations
- Material for Japanese-style flower arrangements
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic, but avoid consumption as it is not edible
Orange
Sweet Orange
Citrus
Scientific Name:
Citrus × sinensis
Family:
Rutaceae
Flower Language
-
bride's joy
-
generosity
-
purity
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Orange is an evergreen tree native to northeastern India to southern China in the Rutaceae family. It blooms fragrant white 5-petaled flowers in spring, followed by sweet fruits. The flowers are used in wedding bouquets and decorations, while the fruits are beloved worldwide as food. Commercially cultivated in warm regions such as the Mediterranean coast, California, and Florida, it serves as an important source of vitamin C.
Trivia
- Orange blossoms have over 200 years of history as traditional wedding decorations
- One of the world's most produced fruits with about 70 million tons produced annually
- Flower fragrance can travel several kilometers from a single tree
- In Seville, Spain, planted as street trees, the entire city is enveloped in flower fragrance in spring
Uses
Ornamental
- Flowers used for wedding bouquets and decorations
- Planted as fragrant trees in gardens
- Cultivated as bonsai
Medicinal
- Fruits effective for cold prevention as vitamin C source
- Flower essential oil has relaxing effects in aromatherapy
- Peel used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive promotion
Caution:
Pesticide residues may remain on peel, choose pesticide-free products for medicinal use
Culinary
- fruits
- flowers (edible flowers)
- peel (for flavoring)
Other
- Essential oil used as raw material for perfumes and cosmetics
- Wood used for crafts and furniture
- Honey also collected from flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic with fruits safe to eat, but avoid large consumption of seeds
Geranium
Pelargonium
Storksbill
Scientific Name:
Pelargonium × hortorum
Family:
Geraniaceae
Flower Language
-
respect
-
happiness with you
-
determination
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Geranium is a perennial plant native to South Africa in the Geraniaceae family, officially called Pelargonium. It continuously blooms colorful flowers in red, pink, white, purple, and other colors from spring to autumn. The leaves have a distinctive fragrance and are believed to have insect-repelling effects. Very popular as window-decorating flowers in Europe, especially commonly seen in homes in Germany and Switzerland.
Trivia
- Official scientific name is Pelargonium but horticulturally called Geranium
- Popular plant with about 500 million pots produced annually in Europe
- Leaf fragrance contains citronellal, an insect-repelling component
- Window geraniums are tourist attractions in towns along Germany's Romantic Road
Uses
Ornamental
- Year-round flowering plants in flower beds
- Potted plants for windows and balconies
- Decoration in hanging baskets
Medicinal
- Essential oil used in aromatherapy for stress reduction
- Used in folk medicine for treating cuts and bruises
- Believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Use essential oil under professional guidance, avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Culinary
- petals
- young leaves (some varieties)
Other
- Used as natural insect repellent
- Raw material for perfumes and cosmetics
- Material for potpourri and dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities, but no problem with normal gardening use