Asiatic dayflower
Common dayflower
Spiderwort
Scientific Name:
Commelina communis
Family:
Commelinaceae
Flower Language
-
Respect
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Serenade
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Nostalgic relationship
-
Momentary happiness
Characteristics
Colors:
blue
Description
Asiatic dayflower is an annual plant in the spiderwort family, native to East Asia and naturalized throughout Japan in roadsides and farmlands. From June to September, it produces beautiful flowers with three blue petals, but these are day flowers that bloom in the morning and wilt by afternoon. The blue pigment from petals has been used as dye since ancient times, including for preliminary sketches in yuzen dyeing. The stem bends at nodes and creeps along the ground with upright tips. Young stems and leaves are edible and valued as medicinal herbs for their diuretic properties.
Trivia
- Blue pigment is water-soluble and has been used as natural dye since ancient times
- Classic example of day flower that opens in morning and closes by afternoon
- Strong vitality with ability to root from stem nodes for reproduction
- Featured in ancient Japanese poetry collections including Man'yōshū
Uses
Ornamental
- Wildflower gardens
- Natural gardens
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Diuretic effects
- Fever reduction
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Other
- Natural dye for traditional crafts
- Pressed flower crafts
- Nature study material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Madagascar periwinkle
Vinca
Rose periwinkle
Catharanthus
Scientific Name:
Catharanthus roseus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
Pleasant memories
-
Friendship
-
Lifelong friendship
Description
Madagascar periwinkle is a perennial plant native to Madagascar in the dogbane family, treated as an annual in Japan. True to its name meaning 'daily flower,' it continuously produces new blooms daily with a long flowering period from May to October. Flowers come in abundant colors including white, pink, red, and purple, with some varieties having contrasting centers. Drought and heat tolerant, making it a staple for summer gardens. However, it's also a toxic plant containing alkaloids throughout, while simultaneously being an important medicinal plant used as a source for anticancer drugs.
Trivia
- Source plant for anticancer drugs vincristine and vinblastine
- Named 'daily flower' for producing new blooms every day
- National flower of Madagascar where it's considered sacred
- Drought-tolerant and forgiving for beginner gardeners who forget watering
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Container gardening
- Mixed plantings
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Source of anticancer drugs (vincristine, vinblastine)
- Source of diabetes medication
Caution:
Toxic plant - medicinal use by non-professionals strictly forbidden
Culinary
Toxic - consumption prohibited
Other
- Pharmaceutical industry raw material
- Research plant material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Causes severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, nerve paralysis, and cardiac toxicity
White ginger lily
Garland flower
Butterfly ginger
White ginger
Scientific Name:
Hedychium coronarium
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Flower Language
-
Abundant heart
-
Cherished love
-
Pure love
-
Trust
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
White ginger lily is a perennial plant in the ginger family native to Southeast Asia, formally known as 'flower turmeric.' From July to October, it produces pure white butterfly-shaped flowers that emit an especially strong sweet fragrance from evening through night. It grows 1-2 meters tall with broad leaves. While it can overwinter outdoors in warm regions, it requires container management in cold areas. It's important for lei-making in Hawaii and serves as Cuba's national flower. Popular as cut flowers, its fragrance is also used in perfume production.
Trivia
- National flower of Cuba where it's called 'Mariposa Blanca'
- Night-fragrant plant with strongest scent from evening through night
- Essential flower material for Hawaiian lei making
- Commercially cultivated as source for 'White Ginger' perfumes
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden landscaping
- Container planting
- Cut flowers
- Tropical gardens
Medicinal
- Traditional fever reduction
- Digestive aid
- Joint pain relief
Caution:
Consult professionals for medicinal use
Culinary
- Young shoots
- Rhizomes (some varieties)
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Lei making
- Aromatherapy
- Insect repellent
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Stock
Gillyflower
Ten-week stock
Matthiola
Scientific Name:
Matthiola incana
Family:
Brassicaceae
Flower Language
-
Bonds of affection
-
Abundant love
-
Eternal love
-
Trust me
-
Plump affection
-
Thoughtfulness
-
Generous affection
-
Lonely love
Description
Stock is an annual plant in the mustard family native to Southern Europe, known in Japanese as Arasetou (purple orchid flower). From March to May, it produces beautiful, sweetly fragrant flowers. Flower colors are abundant including pink, white, red, purple, and yellow, with both single and double forms available, though doubles are more spectacular and preferred for cut flowers. Growing 20-80cm tall, it's originally perennial but treated as annual in Japan due to sensitivity to summer heat. Used as medicinal herb since ancient Greek and Roman times, it was introduced to Japan during the Edo period. Currently popular mainly as cut flowers and bedding plants.
Trivia
- Scientific name Matthiola honors Italian botanist Mattioli
- Double-flowered varieties are more spectacular and better for cut flowers than singles
- Introduced to Japan during Edo period, initially cultivated as medicinal herb
- Flower fragrance is strongest in morning and evening
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bedding plants
- Container gardening
- Mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in ancient times
- No current medicinal uses
Caution:
Currently for ornamental purposes only, not for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Fragrance ingredient
- Potpourri
- Pressed flower crafts
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic