Petunia
Garden Petunia
Common Petunia
Scientific Name:
Petunia × hybrida
Family:
Solanaceae
Description
Petunia is an annual plant of the Solanaceae family, native to Brazil and Argentina. It features trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide variety of colors including white, pink, purple, blue, and yellow. The plant blooms continuously from spring to autumn, making it a popular choice for gardening. The name derives from the Guaraní word 'petum' meaning tobacco, as it belongs to the same family as tobacco plants.
Trivia
- The name petunia comes from the Guaraní word 'petum' meaning tobacco.
- A single plant can produce hundreds of flowers throughout the season.
- The delicate petals are easily damaged by rain and strong winds.
- It's one of the most popular bedding plants in spring garden centers.
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Container gardens
- Hanging baskets
Medicinal
- Not commonly used medicinally in modern times.
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without professional guidance.
Other
- Attracts butterflies and bees as a nectar source.
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
All parts
Symptoms:
Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Rose Moss
Moss Rose
Eleven O'clock
Moss-rose Purslane
Scientific Name:
Portulaca grandiflora
Family:
Portulacaceae
Description
Portulaca grandiflora is an annual succulent plant from Brazil and Argentina, belonging to the Portulacaceae family. It features needle-like succulent leaves resembling pine needles and peony-like beautiful flowers. Extremely heat and drought tolerant, it produces vibrant flowers in pink, red, yellow, white, and orange that brighten summer gardens. The flowers open during sunny hours and close in the evening. It's also called 'sun plant' due to its excellent drought tolerance.
Trivia
- Flowers open on sunny mornings and remain closed on cloudy or rainy days.
- Seeds are extremely small, with thousands produced from a single flower.
- Drought tolerance makes it ideal for forgetful waterers.
- Easy propagation by simply pinching off leaves and inserting them in soil.
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Rock gardens
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Not commonly used medicinally.
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without professional guidance.
Other
- Xerophytic landscaping
- Rooftop gardens
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic.
Yarrow
Milfoil
Common Yarrow
Achillea
Scientific Name:
Achillea millefolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Achillea is a perennial herb native to Europe, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features characteristic finely divided leaves resembling saw teeth, and produces small white flowers in flat-topped clusters from early summer to autumn. Used as a medicinal herb since ancient Greek times, legend says the hero Achilles used it to heal soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War. It's still known as a hemostatic agent in Western herbal medicine.
Trivia
- The genus name Achillea comes from the hero Achilles.
- The species name millefolium means 'thousand leaves'.
- Once called 'devil's nettle' in European folklore.
- Extremely hardy once established, requiring minimal maintenance.
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
- Wildflower gardens
Medicinal
- Hemostatic properties
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Digestive aid
Caution:
Avoid during pregnancy and consult healthcare professionals before use.
Other
- Natural insect repellent
- Natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
All parts (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Large quantities may cause skin sensitization or gastrointestinal upset.
Grand Crinum Lily
Poison Bulb
Spider Lily
Beach Spider Lily
Scientific Name:
Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
To somewhere far away
-
Pure and clean
Description
Hamayuu is a perennial plant native to the warm coastal regions of Japan, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It features thick, leathery, strap-like leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, and produces white six-petaled flowers during summer nights. The flowers begin opening in the evening, reach full bloom at midnight, and emit a strong fragrance. The name comes from growing on beaches (hama) and the white flowers resembling cotton fiber (yuu). Its seeds disperse via ocean currents, giving rise to the flower language 'to somewhere far away'.
Trivia
- Designated as the prefectural flower of Miyazaki Prefecture.
- Seeds can float in seawater and remain viable for months.
- Flowers are pollinated by nocturnal moths.
- Also known by the alternative name 'Hamaomoto'.
Uses
Ornamental
- Coastal gardens
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Ornamental potted plants
Medicinal
- Traditionally used as external medicine in Okinawa.
Caution:
Contains toxic compounds; never use internally.
Culinary
Toxic and not edible.
Other
- Coastal windbreak
- Salt-tolerant landscaping
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially bulbs
Symptoms:
Contains alkaloids such as lycorine, causing severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
Four O'Clock
Marvel of Peru
Beauty of the Night
Scientific Name:
Mirabilis jalapa
Family:
Nyctaginaceae
Description
Mirabilis jalapa is an annual plant from South America belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. Called 'Four O'Clock' in English because flowers begin opening around 4 PM. The flowers open from evening to night and close by the following morning. It produces flowers in various colors including red, pink, yellow, and white, sometimes with different colors on the same plant. The seeds contain white powdery endosperm resembling face powder, giving the plant its Japanese name 'Oshiroibana' (white powder flower).
Trivia
- The genus name Mirabilis means 'wonderful', referring to different colored flowers on the same plant.
- Seed powder was once used by women for cosmetic purposes.
- Flowers are pollinated by nocturnal moths.
- Alternative name 'evening makeup' refers to flowers opening in the evening.
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Evening gardens
- Fragrance gardens
Medicinal
- Traditionally used as diuretic in South America.
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended without professional guidance.
Other
- Children's play material (using seed powder)
- Fragrance plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds, Roots
Symptoms:
Large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.