August 06

Birth Flower

Mountain Lily
Golden-rayed Lily Oriental Lily

Scientific Name: Lilium auratum
Family: Liliaceae

Flower Language

  • dignity
  • majesty
  • purity
  • natural beauty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Mountain Lily is a representative species of Japanese lilies. Its scientific name 'auratum' means golden, referring to the yellow bands on the petals. The flowers are exceptionally large with a diameter of 15-18 cm, featuring white petals with golden bands and reddish-brown spots. The sweet, intense fragrance is exceptionally strong among Japanese native flowers, and its gorgeous appearance has earned it the title 'King of Lilies'.

Trivia

  • Flower appreciation began around the 1890s, and bulbs were Japan's second major export after silk
  • With a flower diameter of 15-18 cm, it's among the largest in the lily family
  • The scientific name 'auratum' means golden, referring to the yellow streaks on the flowers
  • Has been used as food since the Jomon period

Uses

Ornamental
  • High-end cut flower material
  • Garden ornamental plant
  • Indoor decoration in pots
Medicinal
  • Bulbs used medicinally
  • Tonic and nutritional effects

Caution: Use in appropriate amounts

Culinary
  • Bulb (lily root)
Other
  • Cut flower export industry
  • Breeding material for horticultural varieties

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, stem

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort

Nierembergia
Cup Flower White Cup

Scientific Name: Nierembergia caerulea
Family: Solanaceae

Flower Language

  • forbidden love
  • peaceful heart
  • pleasant memories

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Nierembergia is a South American member of the nightshade family that produces small cup-shaped flowers about 2cm in diameter across the entire plant from early summer to autumn. Flower colors include white, blue, purple, and mixed colors with yellow centers. Though each flower lasts only one day, the long blooming period with continuous flowering makes it indispensable for summer gardens. The Japanese name 'silver cup grass' comes from the flower's resemblance to a silver cup.

Trivia

  • Though individual flowers last one day, the blooming period extends for 5 months
  • Japanese name 'silver cup grass' comes from the cup-like flower shape
  • Despite being in the nightshade family, looks completely different from tomatoes or eggplants
  • Excellent heat tolerance, continuing to bloom through midsummer

Uses

Ornamental
  • Summer garden edging
  • Hanging baskets
  • Potted decoration
Medicinal
  • No particular medicinal uses

Caution: Avoid ingestion as it belongs to the nightshade family

Culinary

Not edible.

Other
  • Ground cover
  • Rock gardens

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant

Symptoms: May have mild toxicity as a member of the nightshade family

Morning Glory
Japanese Morning Glory Common Morning Glory

Scientific Name: Ipomoea nil
Family: Convolvulaceae

Flower Language

  • strong bond
  • fleeting love
  • brief love
  • satisfied mood
  • composure

Characteristics

Colors: blue

Description

Morning Glory is an annual vine from tropical Asia, introduced to Japan as a medicinal plant in the late Nara period. It developed into an ornamental plant through two booms during the Edo period, and now has over 1000 varieties. As a climbing vine, it extends long tendrils that wrap around supports, with flowers beginning to open before dawn, reaching full bloom by 4 AM, and closing by midday.

Trivia

  • Over 1000 varieties were created in the Edo period, and breeding continues today
  • Called the '4 AM flower' because it opens around 4 AM
  • Mutant varieties called 'henka-asagao' symbolize Edo period horticultural culture
  • Seeds called 'Pharbitidis Semen' are still used in traditional Chinese medicine

Uses

Ornamental
  • Green curtain for shade
  • Morning garden decoration
  • Potted ornamental plant
Medicinal
  • Seeds used as laxative (Pharbitidis Semen)
  • Traditional Chinese medicine

Caution: Seed consumption should be under professional guidance

Culinary

Not edible. Seeds for medicinal use only.

Other
  • Educational material
  • Greening and shading purposes

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: seeds

Symptoms: Seeds contain laxative compounds that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea if consumed in large quantities