Floss Flower
Ageratum
Bluemink
Pussy Foot
Scientific Name:
Ageratum houstonianum Mill.
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
comfort
-
trust
-
security
-
eternal beauty
Description
Floss Flower (Ageratum) is an annual from Central America in the daisy family. True to its Greek name meaning 'ageless', it produces beautiful flowers that don't fade for extended periods. The fine thread-like petals create a distinctive fluffy texture, primarily producing blue-purple flowers from May to October. Plant height varies from dwarf varieties at about 15cm to tall varieties at 60-80cm, suitable for border edging, mixed plantings, and hanging baskets. It's hardy with strong resistance to heat and sun, continuing to bloom until frost.
Trivia
- Genus name 'Ageratum' means 'ageless' in Greek
- Species name 'houstonianum' honors botanist William Houston
- Has naturalized as an invasive species in some regions including Okinawa
- Thread-like petals are actually clusters of tiny tubular flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Border edging
- Mixed plantings
- Hanging baskets
Medicinal
- Used for wound treatment in Central American traditional medicine
- Believed to have antibacterial properties
Caution:
Medicinal use of ornamental varieties not recommended.
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption.
Other
- Dried flower crafts
- Nectar source for insects
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
whole plant, especially stems and leaves
Symptoms:
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities.
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum
Knight's Star Lily
Scientific Name:
Hippeastrum × hybridum
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
shy girl
-
pride
-
radiant beauty
-
radiant beauty
-
chatty
Description
Amaryllis is a bulbous plant from South America in the amaryllis family, named after a shepherdess in ancient Greek pastoral poetry. It produces 2-4 large, vibrant flowers 10-20cm in diameter on thick, upright stems. Main blooming period is May-June, but autumn blooming is possible with proper bulb management. Flower colors include red, pink, white, yellow, and bicolors, with each plant having impressive presence. The scientific name Hippeastrum means 'knight's star', referring to the star-like flower shape and stately appearance.
Trivia
- One bulb typically produces 1-2 flower stems with 4-6 total flowers
- With proper care, bulbs can live for several decades
- Netherlands is the world's largest bulb producer
- Called 'naked lily' because flower stems emerge before leaves
Uses
Ornamental
- Container cultivation
- Cut flower arrangements
- Garden bed planting
Medicinal
- Bulbs traditionally used medicinally in South America
- Believed to have antibacterial properties
Caution:
Bulbs contain toxic alkaloids like lycorine, making medicinal use dangerous.
Culinary
Toxic and absolutely not suitable for consumption.
Other
- Indoor decoration
- Gift cut flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, stems, leaves
Symptoms:
Alkaloids like lycorine cause severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and respiratory difficulties.
Chinese Bayberry
Waxberry
Red Bayberry
Yumberry
Scientific Name:
Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold & Zucc.
Family:
Myricaceae
Flower Language
-
devotion
-
loving only one person
-
lesson
Description
Yamamomo is an evergreen tree from East Asia in the bayberry family, characterized by being dioecious. Growing 5-15m tall, it produces small wind-pollinated flowers in March-April, followed by 1-2cm spherical fruits in June-July. The sweet-sour fruits are edible fresh and used for jams and alcoholic beverages. Root symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria allows good growth even in poor soils. The ability to fruit through wind pollination despite separation of male and female trees symbolizes devoted love. It's also popular as an ornamental tree in warm regions.
Trivia
- Designated as prefectural tree of Kochi and Tokushima prefectures
- One of few woody plants that fix nitrogen through root bacteria
- Characteristic granular surface texture of fruits
- Called 'yangmei' in China and cultivated since ancient times
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental garden tree
- Street tree planting
- Windbreak forest use
Medicinal
- Traditionally used for diarrhea treatment in China
- Bark used as astringent
- Fruits aid digestion
Caution:
Medicinal use requires professional knowledge.
Other
- Bark used for natural dyes
- Nectar source plant
- Soil improvement effects
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Fruits are non-toxic and suitable for consumption.