Rhododendron
Alpine rose
Scientific Name:
Rhododendron ponticum
Family:
Ericaceae
Description
Rhododendrons originate mainly from western China to the Himalayas. Their broad, thick leaves are believed to be an adaptation to the high humidity of monsoon regions. The spectacular sight of beautiful, large flowers blooming in clusters has earned them the title of 'Queen of flowering trees' or 'King of flowers'. They were brought from China to Europe in the 19th century, where extensive breeding programs were developed.
Trivia
- The scientific name Rhododendron combines Greek words 'Rhodon' (red rose) and 'dendron' (tree), meaning 'rose tree'
- Western rhododendrons were introduced to Japan during the Meiji period and are now beloved as prefectural flowers
- Growing from seed takes about 10 years, so propagation by division or cuttings is common
- Designated as Nepal's national flower and treated as sacred in the region
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree planting
- Display in parks and botanical gardens
- Use as bonsai
Medicinal
- Some species used in traditional medicine
Caution:
Contains toxic grayanotoxin, requiring expert guidance for medicinal use
Other
- Honey source (though produces toxic honey requiring caution)
- Limited use as timber
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Nectar
Symptoms:
Grayanotoxin (rhodotoxin) poisoning symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, blood pressure drop, and breathing difficulties
Mimulus
Monkey flower
Musk flower
Scientific Name:
Mimulus × hybridus
Family:
Phrymaceae
Flower Language
-
Offering help
-
Show me your smile
-
Chatty
Description
Features striking red and orange flowers, with some varieties having large spots. The plant grows into a compact bush and produces so many flowers from May to June that the leaves become invisible. Though a perennial from North America, it's treated as an autumn-sown annual in horticulture. It's sensitive to high temperatures and blooms from early summer to early autumn.
Trivia
- The name Mimulus comes from Latin 'mimus' meaning 'mime' or Greek 'mimo' meaning 'monkey'
- Used in flower remedy essences and believed to have relaxing effects on the mind
- Features distinctive fragrance and comes in rich variety of colors including red, yellow, white, and orange
- Popular for both potted plants and hanging baskets
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Hanging baskets
- Garden border edging
Medicinal
- Used in flower essence therapy to ease fears
Caution:
Medical effects are not scientifically proven
Culinary
Generally not edible
Other
- Aromatherapy
- Flower essence therapy
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Evening primrose
Chilean evening primrose
Scientific Name:
Oenothera stricta
Family:
Onagraceae
Description
A plant 30cm to 1m tall with yellow flowers 3-4cm in diameter and 4 petals. The bright yellow flowers bloom at night and change to orange by morning before wilting as one-day flowers. Named 'evening primrose' because it waits for evening (after sunset) to bloom. Introduced to Japan during the Edo period and has naturalized throughout the country.
Trivia
- True moon flower (Oenothera tetraptera) is a different white-flowered species, botanically distinct from evening primrose
- Introduced to Japan during the Edo period and naturalized throughout the country
- Blooms from May to September as one-day flowers that open at night and close by morning
- Made famous by Takehisa Yumeji's poem 'Yoimachigusa', though the poem may have referred to a different plant
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivation in wildflower gardens
- Natural style garden planting
- Accent in moonlight gardens
Medicinal
- Whole plant and seeds used as antispasmodic
- Relief of cough and cold symptoms
Caution:
Folk remedy use; medical effectiveness not fully proven
Other
- Oil extraction from seeds
- Food source for wildlife
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Columbine
Granny's bonnet
Scientific Name:
Aquilegia vulgaris
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Determination for victory
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
The name Aquilegia comes from the flower's resemblance to thread balls (odamaki) used in weaving. Several species are native to Japan, with Alpine columbine distributed in high mountain regions of central to northern Honshu, and Mountain columbine native to mountains from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Prefers sunny conditions from spring to early summer and autumn to winter, with partial shade and good ventilation during midsummer.
Trivia
- English name 'Columbine' comes from Latin meaning 'dove-like', named for buds resembling doves
- Designated as Colorado's state flower and beloved locally as 'Rocky Mountain Columbine'
- Though short-lived, the plant is hardy and readily self-seeds
- Blooms from early April to early May (May to June), producing beautiful purple-red flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed cultivation
- Display in alpine gardens
- Use as cut flowers
Medicinal
- Traditionally used as medicinal herb in Europe
Caution:
As a Ranunculaceae plant, may contain toxic compounds; medicinal use should be avoided
Other
- Use in horticultural therapy
- Motif in art and design
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Seeds
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis and digestive symptoms due to toxic compounds typical of Ranunculaceae family