African violet
Saintpaulia
Scientific Name:
Saintpaulia ionantha
Family:
Gesneriaceae
Flower Language
-
nurturing love
-
small love
Description
A year-round blooming flower. Named after Baron Saint Paul of Germany who discovered the first plant. The Japanese name is 'African violet' but it's different from true violets. You can enjoy flowers indoors all year round, and many garden varieties have been developed.
Trivia
- Discovered by German Baron Saint Paul in 1892
- Year-round blooming allows flower enjoyment all year
- Representative plant of indoor gardening
- Many garden varieties have been developed
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor houseplants
- Potted plants
- Terrariums
- Miniature gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No recorded medicinal use
Other
- Horticultural therapy
- Interior decoration
- Contest plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Bleeding heart
Asian bleeding heart
Scientific Name:
Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Family:
Papaveraceae
Flower Language
-
I will follow you
-
obedience
Description
The name derives from looking like many fish hanging from a fishing rod. It's a spring flower that came from China during the Muromachi period. The sight of charming heart-shaped flowers blooming in succession is very beautiful, making it a popular plant that colors spring gardens.
Trivia
- Historical flower introduced from China during Muromachi period
- Unique flower shape like fish hanging from fishing rod
- Characterized by charming heart-shaped flowers
- Precious flower enjoyed only for short spring period
Uses
Ornamental
- Spring gardens
- Shade gardens
- Cut flowers
- Natural gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
Caution needed as member of Papaveraceae family
Other
- Traditional garden material
- Subject of literary works
- Seasonal atmosphere creation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant
Symptoms:
May have mild toxicity as member of Papaveraceae family
Wood sorrel
Oxalis
Scientific Name:
Oxalis corniculata
Family:
Oxalidaceae
Description
A perennial distributed worldwide, characterized by three-leaflet leaves and small yellow flowers. It has strong reproductive ability and is a familiar plant that can be seen everywhere. It's also used as a family crest, particularly famous as the crest of the Chosokabe clan. The leaves perform sleep movements, closing at night.
Trivia
- Famous as Chosokabe clan crest during Warring States period
- One type of Irish shamrock
- Leaves perform sleep movements, closing at night
- Familiar plant that can be seen anywhere in the world
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover
- Natural gardens
- Wild plant gardens
- Rock gardens
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine
- Antipyretic effect
- Diuretic effect
Caution:
Avoid large consumption due to oxalic acid content
Other
- Family crest design
- Cultural symbol
- Ecological indicator plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant (contains oxalic acid)
Symptoms:
Possible mild symptoms from oxalic acid with large consumption