Amarine
Amaryllis × Nerine hybrid
Scientific Name:
Amarine tubergenil
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
enchanting
-
like twinkling stars
Characteristics
Colors:
pink
Description
A member of the Amaryllidaceae family, created by crossing Amaryllis belladonna and Nerine. Pink flowers bloom facing all directions, creating a striking and gorgeous display. Leaves die back before flowering, emphasizing the flower stem. Multiple 8cm diameter flowers bloom at the stem tips. While resembling Nerine in appearance, it inherits the strong fragrance of Amaryllis belladonna.
Trivia
- Named by combining Amaryllis and Nerine
- Relatively new hybrid created in the 1990s
- Considered an ideal hybrid inheriting good traits from both parents
- Blooms for about a month, relatively long-lasting
Uses
Ornamental
- Rare bulb plant for collections
- Autumn garden coloring
- Cut flowers for indoor decoration
Medicinal
- No known medicinal properties
Caution:
Avoid ingestion as it belongs to Amaryllidaceae family
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Material for horticultural research
- Reference for flower breeding
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Leaves, Flowers
Symptoms:
Contains Amaryllidaceae alkaloids that may cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
Blue Salvia
Mealy Sage
Mealycup Sage
Scientific Name:
Salvia farinacea
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
respect
-
forever yours
-
wisdom
-
refreshing
Characteristics
Colors:
blue-purple
Description
Introduced to Japan in the early Showa period, but cultivation for cut flowers began in earnest in the 1990s. While red Splendens was the dominant Salvia until then, Blue Salvia's refreshing color and appearance became beloved by many, making it indispensable for summer to autumn flower beds and container plantings. An excellent flower that blooms for half a year from May to October.
Trivia
- More cooling impression than red Salvia, popular in summer
- Began spreading in Japan in earnest from the 1990s
- Excellent garden plant that withstands heat and blooms for half a year
- Effective at attracting pollinating insects like butterflies and bees
Uses
Ornamental
- Main plant for summer flower beds
- Container garden arrangements
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- While Salvia genus has medicinal properties, this species is primarily ornamental
Caution:
Not recommended for medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Attracts butterflies as nectar source
- Can be used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic but avoid consumption as it's ornamental
Gloriosa
Glory Lily
Flame Lily
Climbing Lily
Scientific Name:
Gloriosa superba
Family:
Colchicaceae
Flower Language
-
glory
-
brave
-
burning passion
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
A bulbous plant native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It's a climbing plant that grows by twining around other plants, producing beautiful flame-like red and yellow flowers in summer. Characterized by distinctively reflexed petals, it truly possesses the magnificence befitting a glory flower. Also popular as cut flowers, essential for exotic arrangements.
Trivia
- Nationally beloved as Zimbabwe's national flower
- Called 'Flame Lily' due to flame-like reflexed petals
- Unusual bulbous plant that needs support due to climbing nature
- Long-lasting cut flower, valued in luxury arrangements
Uses
Ornamental
- Exotic cut flowers
- Greenhouse ornamental plants
- Centerpiece in flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in traditional medicine for arthritis
- Sometimes used for gout treatment
Caution:
Toxic plant; self-medication is dangerous
Culinary
Toxic and prohibited for consumption
Other
- Subject of horticultural research
- Display in botanical gardens
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Symptoms:
Contains colchicine toxin, causing severe poisoning symptoms if ingested
Cypress Vine
Cardinal Climber
Star Glory
Scientific Name:
Ipomoea quamoclit
Family:
Convolvulaceae
Flower Language
-
delicate love
-
meddlesome
-
caring nature
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
An annual climbing vine native to tropical America. Features beautiful finely divided pinnate leaves and produces small star-shaped flowers about 2cm in diameter from summer to autumn. Red is most common, but white and pink varieties exist. A member of the morning glory family, flowers open in the morning and close by evening as day flowers. Popular as green curtains, helping to soften harsh summer sunlight.
Trivia
- Introduced to Japan in Edo period, long beloved
- Related to morning glory but flowers often stay open all day
- Small black seeds easily used for next year's cultivation
- Classic plant regaining attention due to green curtain boom
Uses
Ornamental
- Green curtains
- Fence and trellis decoration
- Vertical gardening
Medicinal
- Sometimes used for minor purposes in folk medicine
Caution:
Medicinal efficacy not proven
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Sun shade and heat prevention
- Environmental improvement and greening
- Seed collection and exchange
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds
Symptoms:
Large seed consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset