Anthurium
Flamingo Flower
Red Palmate
Scientific Name:
Anthurium andreanum
Family:
Araceae
Flower Language
-
passion
-
heart tormented by love
-
impressive
-
passion
-
unadorned beauty
-
earnestness
-
innocent heart
Description
Anthurium is a tropical plant in the Araceae family. The flower-like part is actually a spathe, which is a modified leaf. The central spike is called a spadix, where the small true flowers are densely packed. It blooms almost year-round when kept warm and is popular as a houseplant.
Trivia
- Flower color changes over time from yellow to white to green
- Heart-shaped spathe is actually a modified leaf, not a flower
- Name derives from Greek 'anthos' (flower) and 'oura' (tail)
- Over 1000 species exist in the genus
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Indoor houseplant cultivation
- Greenhouse pot cultivation
Medicinal
- Not commonly used for medicinal purposes
Caution:
Contains calcium oxalate crystals typical of Araceae family plants, avoid ingestion
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Flower arrangement material
- Ornamental gardening plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Spathe
Symptoms:
Oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing due to calcium oxalate crystals
Penstemon
Beardtongue
Scientific Name:
Penstemon digitalis
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Description
Penstemon is a perennial from the Plantaginaceae family native to North America, with over 250 species. Bell-shaped flowers bloom in spikes in various colors including red, pink, purple, and white. It's essential for English-style gardening.
Trivia
- The name Penstemon means five stamens, but actually has four stamens and one staminode
- A staple plant found in almost every British garden
- Called Beardtongue due to the bell-shaped flowers
- Over 250 species exist with thousands of cultivars
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Border garden material
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- Traditional medicinal use by Native Americans recorded
Caution:
Not commonly used medicinally in modern times
Culinary
Not commonly used for culinary purposes
Other
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
- Natural garden material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No significant toxicity reported
Lavender
English Lavender
Common Lavender
Scientific Name:
Lavandula angustifolia
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
happiness
-
I'm waiting for you
-
silence
-
cleanliness
-
elegance
-
doubt
Description
Lavender is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family, known as the 'Queen of Herbs'. It produces small purple, white, or pink flowers in spikes with a strong fragrance. Known for its relaxing effects, it's widely used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and herbal teas.
Trivia
- Used in mummification in ancient Egypt
- Vast lavender fields in Provence, France are tourist attractions
- Large-scale cultivation in Furano, Hokkaido has become a Japanese tourist destination
- Essential oil is called 'universal oil' and most used in aromatherapy
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Dried flowers
- Border garden material
Medicinal
- Insomnia relief
- Nervous gastritis relief
- Relaxation effects
Caution:
Consult physician if pregnant, nursing, infant, or with medical conditions
Other
- Perfume and cosmetic ingredients
- Aromatherapy
- Insect repellent effects
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Excessive essential oil use
Symptoms:
Excessive consumption or oil use may cause skin irritation or digestive symptoms
Japanese Rose
Rugosa Rose
Beach Rose
Scientific Name:
Rosa rugosa
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
sadly and beautifully
-
joy of travel
-
vow of happiness
-
rich fragrance
Description
Hamanasu is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family, naturally growing in coastal sandy areas from Hokkaido to the Sea of Japan side of the Chugoku region. It produces single reddish-purple flowers with strong fragrance and red fruits (rose hips) in autumn. It's designated as the flower of Hokkaido.
Trivia
- Name derives from 'hamanashi' (beach pear) becoming 'hamanasu'
- Designated as Hokkaido's flower in 1978 commemorating 110 years
- Used as parent for Hybrid Rugosa rose breeding
- Though each flower lasts one day, blooms continuously for extended periods
Uses
Ornamental
- Coastal landscaping
- Park planting
- Garden ornamental
Medicinal
- Fruits rich in vitamin C with high nutritional value
- Traditionally used for cold prevention
Caution:
No significant toxicity to note
Other
- Fragrance ingredient
- Parent for rose breeding
- Coastal erosion prevention
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic, fruits are edible