Yuzu
Japanese Citron
Yuzu Orange
Scientific Name:
Citrus junos
Family:
Rutaceae
Flower Language
-
Healthy Beauty
-
Pure Person
Description
Yuzu is an evergreen small tree in the Rutaceae family native to China, said to have been introduced to Japan during the Asuka or Nara periods. It produces small white five-petaled flowers from May to June and yellow fruits in autumn. It has long been used for cooking purposes, such as using the juice as vinegar, and continues to play an important role in Japanese cuisine as flavoring and condiment.
Trivia
- Japanese saying: 'Peach and chestnut take three years, persimmon eight, but the fool yuzu takes eighteen'
- Oil extracted from yuzu seeds is used in luxury cosmetics
- Tokushima Prefecture is Japan's largest producer with about 50% market share
- Recently gaining attention as 'YUZU' in high-end Western restaurants
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree appreciation
- Bonsai cultivation
- Flower viewing
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin C for cold prevention
- Relaxing effects from limonene
- Blood circulation improvement
Caution:
Direct skin contact may cause allergic reactions in some people
Other
- Perfume and cosmetic ingredients
- Aromatherapy
- Bath additives
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Safe for consumption, but direct skin contact may cause allergic reactions
Chinese Redbud
Chinese Judas Tree
Scientific Name:
Cercis chinensis
Family:
Fabaceae
Flower Language
-
Simplicity
-
Nobility
-
Awakening
Description
Chinese Redbud is a deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family native to China. From April to May, before leaves emerge, it abundantly produces small deep reddish-purple butterfly-shaped flowers on slender branches. After flowering, it develops beautiful heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Despite being a tall tree, its slim form without spreading branches makes it suitable for small gardens.
Trivia
- Named for flower color resembling sappanwood dye
- Flowers appear before leaves, making their beauty more prominent
- Heart-shaped leaves are beloved as symbols of love
- Related American redbud is a representative spring flower of North America
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Street trees
- Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
- Bark and flowers used in traditional Chinese medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Wood can be used as timber
- Flowers used as natural dye
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Hyacinth Orchid
Chinese Ground Orchid
Hardy Orchid
Scientific Name:
Bletilla striata
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
I Will Not Forget You
-
Unchanging Love
Description
Hyacinth orchid is a perennial herb in the Orchidaceae family native to Japan, China, and Korea, known as a terrestrial orchid. From May to June, it produces several beautiful purplish-red orchid flowers characteristic of the family at the tips of 30-50cm flower stems. Exceptionally hardy for an orchid, it can tolerate heat and cold and grow in ordinary soil, making it popular with beginning gardeners.
Trivia
- Exceptionally easy to cultivate for an orchid
- Mucilage from bulbs long used in Japanese paper making
- White-flowered variety called Hakuran also exists
- Wild populations declining due to environmental destruction
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Bulbs used as hemostatic agents in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Mucilage from bulbs used as adhesive for Japanese paper
- Traditional craft materials
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Columbine
Aquilegia
Granny's Bonnet
Scientific Name:
Aquilegia vulgaris
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Determination for Victory
-
Will Surely Obtain
-
Foolishness
Description
Columbine is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family native to Europe, producing flowers with unique silhouettes that nod downward. The flowers have projections called spurs at the back, creating their characteristic shape. Flower colors are diverse including purple, blue, white, pink, and yellow. While individual flowers last 3-5 days, as perennials they bloom again the following year and can continue flowering for over 20 years.
Trivia
- English name 'Columbine' comes from resemblance to doves
- Japanese name derives from resemblance to thread-winding tool 'odamaki'
- Seeds naturally drop to create new plants the following year
- Alpine species are considered to have the most beautiful flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Mass planting in flower beds
- Cut flowers
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used in European folk medicine but not recommended due to toxicity
Caution:
Medicinal use should be avoided due to toxicity
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Can be used as dried flowers
- Educational material for horticulture
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially seeds
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, cardiac effects, and dermatitis