July 29

Birth Flower

Persian Violet
Exacum German Violet

Scientific Name: Exacum affine
Family: Gentianaceae

Flower Language

  • declaration of love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Native to Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean, this gentian family plant blooms with blue-purple small flowers covering the entire plant from June to October. The charming 1-2cm diameter flowers show beautiful contrast between blue petals and yellow stamens in the center. The thick, glossy leaves naturally form a round, mounded shape. In Germany, it's beloved as 'blue like the sky,' and while originally perennial, it's treated as an annual in Japan due to cold sensitivity.

Trivia

  • Socotra Island is a World Heritage site where 1/3 of plants are endemic species
  • About 25 species exist in Exacum genus, but only this species is commonly cultivated
  • Can bloom continuously in winter if heated due to its four-season blooming nature
  • Dwarf varieties, double-flowered, and variegated leaf varieties exist through breeding

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants
  • Container gardens
  • Indoor decoration
Medicinal
  • No particular medicinal uses reported

Caution: No particular cautions

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Ornamental use only

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Nasturtium
Garden Nasturtium Indian Cress Monks Cress

Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus
Family: Tropaeolaceae

Flower Language

  • patriotism
  • victory

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An annual plant from the Tropaeolaceae family, native to Peru and Colombia in South America, blooming with vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers from June to November. Named 'golden lotus flower' because its round leaves resemble lotus and flowers resemble trumpet vine. The entire plant has a peppery taste, and leaves, flowers, buds, and immature seeds are edible, containing vitamin C and iron for use in salads and as garnish for meat dishes. It's also used as a companion plant to repel aphids with its distinctive fragrance.

Trivia

  • One of the plants Columbus brought back from the New World
  • Buds and immature seeds have peppery taste that can substitute for capers
  • Scientific name 'Tropaeolum' means 'trophy' due to shield-like leaf shape
  • Historic garden plant that was also grown in Monet's garden

Uses

Ornamental
  • Flower beds
  • Hanging baskets
  • Container gardens
Medicinal
  • Vitamin C supplementation
  • Antibacterial effects
  • Respiratory system improvement

Caution: Avoid excessive consumption

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Flowers
  • Buds
  • Immature seeds
Other
  • Companion plant (aphid repellent)
  • Natural insecticide

Toxicity

Symptoms: Safe for consumption

Dahlia
Garden Dahlia Georgina

Scientific Name: Dahlia pinnata
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • brilliance
  • dignity
  • fickleness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial from the Asteraceae family native to the highlands of Mexico to Guatemala, with over 30,000 varieties currently existing. Flower diameters range from 3cm to over 30cm, with blooming styles classified into 16 types including single, pompon, and cactus forms. Flower colors include almost all colors except blue and green, making it one of the most color-diverse plants alongside roses and tulips. Introduced to Japan via the Netherlands to Nagasaki in 1842, it was called 'Tenjiku Botan' (foreign peony) due to its peony-like flower shape.

Trivia

  • World's largest flowering varieties exceed 40cm in diameter
  • Napoleon's Empress Josephine was famous as a dahlia enthusiast
  • Tubers were cultivated as food during wartime food shortages in Japan
  • Number of varieties continues to increase annually, one of the most diverse plants in horticulture

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • Traditionally used for diabetes treatment in Mexico
  • Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Tubers
Other
  • Exhibitions and contests
  • Research material for breeding

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation

Bougainvillea
Paper Flower Great Bougainvillea

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis
Family: Nyctaginaceae

Flower Language

  • I only see you

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

A climbing plant from the Nyctaginaceae family native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, characterized by vibrant colored bracts. The actual flowers are small white parts in the center, while the petal-like parts are bracts - modified leaves. Bract colors include red, pink, purple, white, yellow in various forms including single, double, and gradient varieties. Japanese names include 'Ikada-kazura' and 'Kokonoe-kazura,' widely planted as street trees and garden plants in tropical and subtropical regions.

Trivia

  • Designated as one of Brazil's national flowers
  • Evergreen plant capable of blooming year-round
  • Bract color intensity varies with sunlight conditions
  • Can grow over 10m with support due to climbing nature

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden trees
  • Hedges
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • Folk remedy for cough relief
  • Fever reduction
  • Antibacterial effects

Caution: Consult experts for medical use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Street trees
  • Wall greening
  • Windbreaks

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: May cause mild dermatitis or gastrointestinal upset

Cactus
Prickly Pear Desert Rose

Scientific Name: Cactaceae spp.
Family: Cactaceae

Flower Language

  • passion
  • undying love
  • warm heart

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Plants from the Cactaceae family native to the Americas, comprising a large plant group of about 110 genera and 2000 species. Adapted to arid environments, leaves have evolved into spines while stems have enlarged to store water. Many species produce beautiful, colorful flowers. In Japan, they've been beloved as ornamental plants since the Edo period, with currently over 3000 varieties. Forms are diverse including prickly pear, columnar, and globular cacti, each with unique beauty.

Trivia

  • Largest cactus is the Saguaro, reaching up to 20m in height
  • Some species take decades to bloom
  • Queen of the Night blooms for just one night - a mystical cactus
  • Plants that have been used in cultivation experiments on space stations

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor decoration
  • Gardens
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • Aloe-like healing effects
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Burn treatment

Caution: Some species may be toxic, caution required

Culinary
  • Fruits
  • Young stems
Other
  • Collection plants
  • Research materials

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Spines, Sap of some species

Symptoms: Injuries from spines, possible dermatitis from some species