Bougainvillea
Paper Flower
Great Bougainvillea
Scientific Name:
Bougainvillea spectabilis
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Flower Language
-
Passion
-
Charm
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I only see you
Description
Bougainvillea is an evergreen climbing shrub native to the tropical rainforests of South America. What appears to be colorful flowers are actually bracts, while the true flowers are small and white. Named after French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville who discovered it in Brazil in 1768, this plant thrives in warm climates and requires plenty of sunlight to display its vibrant colors.
Trivia
- The colorful parts of bougainvillea are bracts, not flowers - the true flowers are the small white parts in the center
- Named after French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who circumnavigated the globe
- Called 'Paper Flower' in Hawaii and used in lei making
- NASA research has shown that bougainvillea has air-purifying effects indoors
Uses
Ornamental
- Climbing plant for decorating walls and fences
- Potted ornamental plant
- Hedge and boundary decoration
Medicinal
- Traditional South American medicine used leaf decoctions for cough relief
- Folk medicine applications for anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Medical effects are not scientifically proven, so medical use should be avoided
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Bracts sometimes used as natural dye
- Use as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but no serious poisoning has been reported
Hydrangea
Japanese Hydrangea
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Flower Language
-
Fickleness
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Bashfulness
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Coldness
-
Energetic woman
Description
Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan that produces beautiful white, blue, purple, and pink flowers from June to July during the rainy season. It has the unique characteristic of changing flower color based on soil pH - acidic soil produces blue flowers while alkaline soil produces red flowers. Introduced to Europe during the Edo period, the improved Western hydrangea varieties are now widely cultivated. It is beloved as a representative flower of Japan's rainy season.
Trivia
- Flower color changes due to soil pH are caused by differences in aluminum ion absorption
- Western hydrangeas re-imported from Europe are more common in Japan
- The name 'ajisai' is said to derive from 'azusaai' meaning 'gathering true blue'
- The hydrangeas at Kamakura's Meigetsu-in are famous as 'Meigetsu-in Blue'
Uses
Ornamental
- Main ornamental plant in gardens
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
- Hedge and boundary planting
- Potted plant enjoyment
Medicinal
- In traditional Chinese medicine, roots and leaves were used for fever reduction and diuresis
- In folk medicine, sometimes used for kidney disease treatment
Caution:
Currently treated as a toxic plant, medical use is dangerous
Culinary
Not edible. Contains toxic components, consumption is dangerous
Other
- Use as dried flowers
- Material for pressed flower crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Buds, Roots
Symptoms:
Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, facial flushing, and breathing difficulties. A poisoning incident occurred in 2008 from leaves used as food decoration
Gladiolus
Sword Lily
Corn Flag
Scientific Name:
Gladiolus × hybridus
Family:
Iridaceae
Flower Language
-
Victory
-
Secret meeting
-
Caution
-
Satisfaction
Description
Gladiolus is a bulbous plant native to South Africa, characterized by sword-like elongated leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom in spikes. The flowers bloom sequentially from bottom to top and can be enjoyed from June to October. There are now over 5000 varieties with diverse colors and flower forms. The name derives from the Latin 'gladium' (sword), referring to the leaf shape. Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period, it is beloved as a representative summer cut flower.
Trivia
- Ancient Roman gladiators were thrown gladiolus flowers by spectators when they won battles
- The Netherlands is the world's largest producer of gladiolus bulbs
- One flower spike has 20-30 flowers that bloom sequentially from bottom to top
- In America, it's the birth flower for August and also the 40th wedding anniversary flower
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
- Background plants in flower beds
- Bouquets and arrangements
- Wedding decorations
Medicinal
- In South African traditional medicine, roots were used as poultices
- In folk medicine, sometimes used for treating external injuries
Caution:
Medicinal effects are not recognized in modern medicine, medical use is not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Use as dried flowers
- Sometimes used as perfume ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Rhizomes
Symptoms:
Bulb ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious poisoning reports are rare