Carnation
Clove Pink
Grenadine
Scientific Name:
Dianthus caryophyllus
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
Pure Love
-
My Love Lives On
-
Gratitude
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Carnation is a perennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast, beloved worldwide as the Mother's Day flower. The stem 'carn' means 'flesh,' and 'carnation' means 'flesh-colored (pale pink)' in Italian. The flowers are fragrant with characteristic frilled petals in diverse colors including red, white, pink, and yellow. They have excellent vase life, making them ideal as gifts.
Trivia
- White carnations were used when Mother's Day began in America in 1907
- Red carnations represent 'gratitude to living mothers,' white 'love for deceased mothers'
- One of the most produced cut flowers worldwide
- Also Spain's national flower with deep national attachment
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Flower bed displays
Medicinal
- Used in European folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Other
- Perfume ingredients
- Potpourri materials
- Wedding decorations
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
White stem base
Symptoms:
Flowers are edible, but white stem base is bitter and large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Trailing Ice Plant
Fig Marigold
Mesembryanthemum
Scientific Name:
Lampranthus spectabilis
Family:
Aizoaceae
Description
Trailing ice plant is a succulent in the Aizoaceae family native to South Africa. Its stems and leaves spread along the ground, producing masses of chrysanthemum-like flowers in early summer. Flower colors are abundant including red, pink, yellow, purple, and white, with petals having a distinctive metallic luster. Leaves are narrow and thick like pine needles, extremely drought-resistant, making it valuable as ground cover in coastal areas and arid regions.
Trivia
- Flowers only open in sunlight
- Salt-tolerant, thrives in coastal areas
- High water storage ability, can survive weeks without watering
- Metallic luster of petals comes from intracellular crystals
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover
- Rock gardens
- Coastal revegetation
Medicinal
- Used in South African folk medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Soil erosion prevention
- Roof greening
- Arid land revegetation
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Rhododendron
Azalea
Rose Tree
Scientific Name:
Rhododendron ponticum
Family:
Ericaceae
Description
Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae family native to alpine regions of temperate to subarctic zones worldwide, producing beautiful flowers called the 'Queen of Flowering Trees.' From May to June, it produces magnificent flower clusters at branch tips in diverse colors including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow. Leaves are thick and glossy, evergreen maintaining beautiful green even in winter. In Japan, it's beloved as an alpine plant and can be seen in botanical gardens throughout the country.
Trivia
- Largest flower clusters can reach 30cm in diameter
- Ancient Greek soldiers were recorded poisoned by rhododendron honey
- Nepal's national flower, depicted on the 25 rupee note
- Brought to Britain in large quantities in the 19th century, now naturalized
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden appreciation
- Botanical garden displays
- Alpine gardens
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine but not recommended due to toxicity
Caution:
Medicinal use should be absolutely avoided due to toxicity
Other
- Wood for timber use
- Alpine environmental conservation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially leaves and nectar
Symptoms:
Grayanotoxins cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and coma in severe cases
Japanese Iris
Hanashōbu
Ensata Iris
Scientific Name:
Iris ensata var. ensata
Family:
Iridaceae
Description
Japanese Iris is a representative Japanese garden plant created by improving wild Iris ensata during the Edo period. It blooms beautifully during the June rainy season, with flower colors including white, pink, purple, blue, and yellow. Including combinations with stripes and edges, about 5,000 varieties are said to exist. The yellow base of petals distinguishes it from other iris species.
Trivia
- Over 300 varieties were created during the Edo period, now exceeding 5,000 types
- Distinguished from other iris species by the color at the base of petals
- Beloved by Emperor Meiji with deep connections to the imperial family
- Famous iris spots include Horikiri Iris Garden and Mizumoto Park
Uses
Ornamental
- Iris garden displays
- Cut flowers
- Japanese garden decoration
Medicinal
- Rhizomes said to have hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects but not commonly used today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Can be used as dye
- Traditional craft material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Water Lily
Pond Lily
Nymphaea
Scientific Name:
Nymphaea alba
Family:
Nymphaeaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
Yellow
Description
Water lily is an aquatic plant in the Nymphaeaceae family native to ponds and marshes from temperate to tropical regions worldwide, known for its circular floating leaves and beautiful flowers. Flowers open in the morning and close in the evening, which is the origin of the name 'sleeping lotus.' Yellow water lilies are temperate species, with varieties in various colors including white, pink, and blue. Revered as sacred flowers in ancient Egypt and symbols of purity in Buddhism.
Trivia
- Monet's 'Water Lilies' series comprises over 250 works
- Blue water lilies were especially sacred in ancient Egypt
- Flowers bloom for 3-4 days before sinking underwater
- Night-blooming water lilies exist, called 'Queen of the Night'
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden pond appreciation
- Aquarium cultivation
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Used in ancient Egyptian and Chinese traditional medicine but not common today
Caution:
Medicinal use requires specialist knowledge
Culinary
- Seeds
- Rhizomes (some species)
Other
- Water purification
- Hiding places for ornamental fish
- Painting motifs
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally non-toxic, but caution needed for some species