June 07

Birth Flower

Calceolaria
Slipper Flower Pocketbook Flower Pouch Flower

Scientific Name: Calceolaria herbeohybrida
Family: Calceolariaceae

Flower Language

  • my companion
  • assistance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial or shrub from the Calceolariaceae family with about 200 species native to Chile, Mexico, Peru, and New Zealand. The distinctive pouch-shaped lower petals resemble purses, creating uniquely inflated flowers. The name Calceolaria derives from Latin for 'little slipper.' Flower colors include orange, yellow, red, and white. In Japan, commonly treated as autumn-sown annuals blooming in spring. Prefers sunny locations with good ventilation and drainage, being somewhat sensitive to both cold and heat.

Trivia

  • English name 'Pocketbook flower' comes from its wallet-like appearance
  • About 200 native species exist with numerous cultivated varieties
  • Treated as annuals in Japan but perennials in native habitats
  • Flower language 'my companion' derives from money-associated pouch shape

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants (indoor and outdoor decoration)
  • Mixed plantings (spring container gardens)
  • Cut flowers (short-term enjoyment)
Medicinal
  • Used for minor wound treatment in traditional South American medicine

Caution: Medicinal use should be under professional guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Horticultural research (new variety development)
  • Educational purposes (learning plant diversity)

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Perennial Flax
Blue Flax Prairie Flax

Scientific Name: Linum perenne
Family: Linaceae

Flower Language

  • thank you for your kindness

Characteristics

Colors: blue-purple

Description

A perennial from the Linaceae family native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Produces charming blue-purple flowers in early summer. The delicate plant form and flower shape create a gentle impression that, while appearing modest, gains appeal when combined with other plants. Growing 60-120cm tall and 20-80cm wide, with narrow leaves densely attached to stems and branching from the base. Flowers are about 2cm in diameter with 5 petals. Prefers relatively dry, cool climates with little rainfall, being sensitive to heat but tolerant of drought.

Trivia

  • Flax is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants
  • Egyptian mummy wrappings were made from flax
  • Flowers are day-bloomers, opening in morning and falling by evening
  • Particularly beautiful when swaying in the wind

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting (natural gardens)
  • Container gardening (terrace gardens)
  • Cut flowers (rustic bouquets)
Medicinal
  • Seed oil used for skin protection
  • Used for inflammation suppression in traditional medicine

Caution: Medicinal use should be under professional guidance

Culinary
  • seeds
Other
  • Fiber source (linen)
  • Seed oil (industrial use)
  • Honey source plant

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Amaryllis
Hippeastrum Barbados Lily

Scientific Name: Hippeastrum hybridum
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • chattering
  • pride
  • shyness
  • magnificently beautiful

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family native to South to Central America, with about 80 native species. Produces brilliant colored flowers 10-20cm in diameter on tall, sturdy stems. Spring varieties bloom from late April to late June, while autumn varieties bloom around October with colorful flowers 10-20cm in diameter. Plant bulbs shallowly with upper 1/3 to 1/2 above soil surface, and water when soil surface dries after leaves or buds appear 2-3 weeks after planting.

Trivia

  • The name 'Amaryllis' is actually a misnomer; correct name is Hippeastrum
  • Bulbs can be left planted for about 2 years
  • Important to deadhead flowers to prevent seed formation
  • Traditional to give to women at dance parties in America

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants (indoor and outdoor decoration)
  • Cut flowers (large and impressive)
  • Ground planting (possible in warm regions)
Medicinal
  • Bulbs used as medicinal herbs in traditional South American medicine

Caution: Medicinal use prohibited due to bulb toxicity

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Horticultural breeding (new color development)
  • Bridal decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: bulbs, leaves, stems

Symptoms: Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness

Gardenia
Cape Jasmine Common Gardenia

Scientific Name: Gardenia jasminoides
Family: Rubiaceae

Flower Language

  • elegance
  • bringing joy
  • bringing happiness
  • cleanliness
  • secret love

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

An evergreen shrub from the Rubiaceae family native to East Asia. Flowering from June to July, produces individual fragrant flowers on short stems from leaf axils. Flowers are 5-8cm in diameter, initially white but gradually becoming yellowish. The strong jasmine-like fragrance gives it the species name 'jasminoides' meaning 'jasmine-like' in Latin. Considered one of the three great fragrant trees along with spring daphne and autumn osmanthus, releasing sweet fragrance in early summer. Dried fruits serve as sources for traditional medicine and natural colorants.

Trivia

  • Name 'kuchinashi' means the fruit doesn't open its 'mouth' when ripe
  • Edo period travelers ate gardenia fruits for fatigue recovery
  • Used as women's corsages at dance parties in America
  • Flower language 'very happy' derives from American customs

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting (enjoying fragrance)
  • Hedging (evergreen and beautiful)
  • Cut flowers (short-lived but fragrant)
Medicinal
  • Fruits used in traditional Chinese medicine as sanshishi (anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, sedative, diuretic)
  • Effective for treating insomnia and mental anxiety

Caution: Medicinal use should be under professional guidance

Culinary
  • fruits (as natural coloring)
Other
  • Natural yellow dye
  • Fragrance (flower essential oil)
  • Preservative (fruit components)

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported