July 06

Birth Flower

Rose Pogonia
Japanese Rose Pogonia Snake Mouth Orchid

Scientific Name: Pogonia japonica
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • modesty

Characteristics

Colors: pale pink to rose-pink

Description

Rose Pogonia is a native Japanese orchid species named after its beautiful pale pink flowers that resemble the wings of the Japanese Crested Ibis (Toki). It grows in sunny wetlands and blooms from May to June. This species is listed on Japan's Red List and has become increasingly rare. The name 'Tokisou' comes from the resemblance of its flower color to the plumage of the Japanese Crested Ibis.

Trivia

  • Discovery of Rose Pogonia is attributed to Edo period herbalists
  • The Japanese Crested Ibis is also endangered, sharing the same fate as the flower
  • Habitat has decreased by over 90% compared to 50 years ago due to wetland development
  • Artificial cultivation is extremely difficult, requiring symbiotic fungal relationships

Uses

Ornamental
  • Wild orchid observation and photography subject
  • Symbol plant for wetland ecosystem protection
  • Conservation display in botanical gardens
Medicinal
  • Traditional use for fever reduction
  • External application as poultice

Caution: Strictly prohibited to collect due to endangered status. Observation only

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Indicator species for ecosystem protection
  • Educational material for environmental conservation

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Sunflower
Common Sunflower

Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • adoration
  • admiration
  • radiance
  • longing

Characteristics

Colors: yellow

Description

Sunflower is an annual herb of the Asteraceae family native to North America, known for its large yellow flowers resembling the sun. Named 'Himawari' (facing the sun) because flowers appear to follow the sun, but actually only buds track the sun, and after blooming they face east permanently. Cultivated worldwide for food, oil production, and ornamental purposes, and serves as the national flower of Russia, Ukraine, and Peru.

Trivia

  • What appears as one flower is actually an aggregate of hundreds to thousands of small flowers
  • The world's tallest sunflower exceeded 9 meters in height
  • Seed arrangement follows the golden ratio (Fibonacci sequence)
  • Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' is one of the world's most famous flower paintings

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for summer arrangements
  • Garden planting as summer garden centerpiece
  • Ornamental cultivation in agritourism farms
Medicinal
  • Vitamin E in sunflower oil provides antioxidant effects
  • Leaf decoction used in folk medicine

Caution: Seeds are high in calories, attention to intake amount required

Culinary
  • seeds
  • young flower buds
  • stem pith
Other
  • Raw material for biofuel
  • Used as bird feed
  • Cultivated as soil improvement plant

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: seeds (when consumed excessively)

Symptoms: Indigestion from large consumption and weight gain from high calorie intake

Dayflower
Common Dayflower Asiatic Dayflower

Scientific Name: Commelina communis
Family: Commelinaceae

Flower Language

  • changing love
  • unchanging feelings
  • nostalgic relationship
  • respect

Characteristics

Colors: blue

Description

Dayflower is an annual herb of the Commelinaceae family native to East Asia, known for its beautiful blue flowers that bloom in the morning and wither by noon. Named 'Tsuyukusa' (dew grass) because dew-like water droplets form on its leaves. Long cherished in Japan and used medicinally. Now naturalized worldwide and commonly seen as a familiar wildflower along roadsides and in fields.

Trivia

  • English name 'Day flower' derives from flowers withering within a day
  • Scientific name Commelina honors Dutch botanist Commelin brothers
  • Recently discovered compounds with diabetes prevention effects
  • Called 'Tsukikusa' (moon grass) in the ancient Manyoshu poetry collection

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used in natural garden design as wildflower
  • Ornamental appreciation for brief morning hours
  • Craft use as pressed flowers
Medicinal
  • Fever reduction and anti-inflammatory effects (Chinese medicine: Yazhicao)
  • Diuretic and anti-edema effects
  • External use for eczema and dermatitis

Caution: Consultation with specialists recommended before use

Culinary
  • young stems and leaves
  • flowers
Other
  • Blue pigment used as natural dye
  • Used as environmental indicator plant
  • Nature observation material for children

Toxicity

Symptoms: Non-toxic

Morning Glory
Japanese Morning Glory

Scientific Name: Ipomoea nil
Family: Convolvulaceae

Flower Language

  • affection
  • unity
  • fresh tomorrow
  • fleeting love
  • strong bonds

Characteristics

Colors: blue, purple, pink, white

Description

Morning Glory is a climbing annual herb of the Convolvulaceae family native to tropical Asia, named 'Asagao' (morning face) because it blooms with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in the morning. Introduced to Japan during the Nara period as medicine, it became extremely popular as an ornamental plant during the Edo period. Still cherished as a representative summer flower and widely used as science education material in elementary schools. Available in various flower colors including blue, purple, pink, and white.

Trivia

  • During the Edo period, some varieties traded for equivalent of hundreds of thousands of yen today
  • Flowers begin opening around 3-4 AM and wither by noon
  • Vines have the property of twining counterclockwise
  • Historic flower documented in Japan's oldest horticultural texts

Uses

Ornamental
  • Green curtain for summer heat reduction
  • Hedge and fence decoration
  • Potted plants for morning appreciation
Medicinal
  • Seeds used as laxative in Chinese medicine (Qianniuzi)
  • Diuretic effects in folk medicine

Caution: Seeds are toxic, dangerous for amateur use

Culinary

Not edible (seeds are toxic)

Other
  • Science education material for germination and growth observation
  • Natural sunshade utilizing vine characteristics
  • Environmental education material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: seeds

Symptoms: Seed ingestion causes diarrhea, vomiting, reduced reflexes, hallucinations