Vinca
Madagascar Periwinkle
Rose Periwinkle
Catharanthus
Scientific Name:
Catharanthus roseus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
Sweet memories
-
Friendship
-
Pleasant memories
Description
Vinca is a perennial plant (treated as annual in Japan) in the Apocynaceae family native to Madagascar. True to its name meaning 'daily flower,' it produces new blooms each day and is popular for its hardy nature that withstands summer heat. The flowers are 3-4cm five-petaled blooms in diverse colors including white, pink, red, and purple, with some varieties having contrasting centers. Introduced to Japan in the mid-Edo period, it's now cultivated worldwide. Also known as a medicinal plant containing alkaloids with anti-cancer properties.
Trivia
- Individual flowers last 3-5 days, but continuous new blooms provide long-lasting display
- Madagascar hosts 8 Catharanthus species, with 7 being endemic
- Contains vincristine and vinblastine used in anti-cancer medications
- Also called 'Vinca' from its former scientific name Vinca rosea
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Container gardening
- Hanging baskets
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Contains alkaloids with anti-cancer properties, but not for general use
Caution:
Toxic plant - absolutely avoid medicinal or culinary use
Culinary
Toxic, not suitable for consumption
Other
- Pharmaceutical raw material (specialized institutions only)
- Educational plants
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant contains toxic alkaloids
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause paralysis, convulsions, and gastrointestinal symptoms
Bellflower
Japanese Bellflower
Spotted Bellflower
Campanula
Scientific Name:
Campanula punctata
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
Loyal heart
-
Justice
-
Gratitude
Description
Spotted bellflower is a perennial wildflower in the Campanulaceae family native throughout Japan. It blooms downward-facing bell-shaped flowers from late May to July. Flower colors range from white to light purple to deep purple, characterized by fine spots inside. Named because children used to put fireflies inside the bag-like flowers to play like lanterns. It prefers semi-shaded mountain areas and is a hardy plant that spreads by underground rhizomes.
Trivia
- Also called 'lantern flower' due to its lantern-like flower shape
- Spreads by rhizomes, appearing in the same location year after year
- Internal spot patterns vary by variety
- Beloved flower mentioned even in ancient Manyoshu poetry collection
Uses
Ornamental
- Wildflower gardens
- Natural gardens
- Rock gardens
- Semi-shade gardens
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine for throat inflammation and tonsillitis
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended today
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Nature observation
- Environmental education
- Pressed flower crafts
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Japanese Clethra
Clethra
White Alder
Sweet Pepperbush
Scientific Name:
Clethra barbinervis
Family:
Clethraceae
Flower Language
-
Overflowing feelings
-
Relaxation
-
Preparation
Description
Japanese Clethra is a deciduous tree in the Clethraceae family distributed from Japan to the Korean Peninsula. From June to August, it blooms white small flowers densely arranged in 10-20cm spikes at branch tips. Young leaves were historically important as famine food, with legal requirements to cultivate and store them for emergencies, giving rise to the name 'Ryōbu' (legal order). The bark peels off creating patterns similar to crape myrtle, making it an ornamental tree. It prefers mountain ridges and dry slopes, thriving even in poor soils.
Trivia
- Name 'Ryōbu' comes from legal mandates requiring its cultivation
- Bark peels off like crape myrtle creating beautiful patterns
- Traditional preservation method involved drying young leaves for storage
- Flowers are popular nectar sources for bees and butterflies
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Park trees
- Natural woodland gardens
- Native plant landscaping
Medicinal
- Bark occasionally used in folk medicine
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended today
Other
- Timber (tool making)
- Nectar source
- Wildlife food
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Water Hyacinth
Common Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia
Scientific Name:
Eichhornia crassipes
Family:
Pontederiaceae
Flower Language
-
Joy of love
-
Wavering heart
-
Good will
Description
Water hyacinth is an aquatic perennial in the Pontederiaceae family native to South America. The inflated leaf petioles serve as floats, resembling the belly of Hotei (one of the Seven Lucky Gods), hence the Japanese name. It blooms beautiful light purple flowers in summer with yellow spots on the upper petals. However, it has extremely strong reproductive ability and is problematic as an invasive alien species worldwide. In Japan, it's designated as a cautionary alien species requiring careful attention to cultivation and transplantation.
Trivia
- Named for inflated petioles resembling Hotei's belly from Seven Lucky Gods
- One plant can multiply to over 3000 plants per year
- Considered one of the world's worst invasive aquatic plants
- Originally introduced for ornamental purposes due to beautiful flowers, now problematic
Uses
Ornamental
- Aquatic gardens (under management only)
- Indoor aquariums
- Research and educational purposes
Medicinal
- Occasionally used in folk medicine in some regions but not recommended
Caution:
Lacks medical evidence and should be avoided due to ecological impact
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Water purification research
- Biomass research
- Environmental education material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic but may cause skin irritation upon contact
Easter Lily
Trumpet Lily
White Trumpet Lily
Bermuda Lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium longiflorum
Family:
Liliaceae
Flower Language
-
Purity
-
Majesty
-
Refined lady
Description
Easter lily is a bulbous plant in the Liliaceae family native to the Southwest Islands from Yakushima southward to Okinawa and Taiwan. Named for its pure white tubular flowers resembling trumpets or gun barrels. It blooms large, fragrant white flowers horizontally from late May to June. Beloved as cut flowers worldwide, particularly important in Christian countries during Easter season. Japan has developed advanced forcing techniques for year-round production from bulbs.
Trivia
- Japan is the world's largest producer of Easter lily bulbs
- Forcing techniques enable year-round production
- Horizontal flower orientation distinguishes it from Formosa lily
- English name 'Easter Lily' comes from its importance in Easter celebrations
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Church decorations
- Bridal bouquets
- Garden planting
Medicinal
- Bulbs occasionally used in traditional Chinese medicine
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under professional guidance
Culinary
- Bulbs (certain species only)
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Religious ceremonies
- Memorial services
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs and leaves contain alkaloids
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal disturbances