Torenia
Wishbone Flower
Summer Violet
Scientific Name:
Torenia fournieri
Family:
Linderniaceae
Description
Torenia is an annual plant native to Southeast Asia and Africa, commonly called Summer Violet in Japan. It gets its name from the violet-like appearance of its flowers. It blooms from April to November and comes in various colors including purple, blue, yellow, pink, and white. Its heat resistance makes it popular for summer garden beds.
Trivia
- Called Wishbone Flower in English due to the bone-like shape of the stamens
- Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period
- Seeds are very small, with about 10,000 seeds per gram
- Heat-tolerant but cold-sensitive, treated as an annual in Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Summer garden beds
- Potted plants
- Mixed plantings
Medicinal
- No confirmed medicinal uses
Caution:
No specific cautions
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxic parts
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Bells of Ireland
Shell Flower
Molucca Balm
Scientific Name:
Moluccella laevis
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Eternal Gratitude
-
Gratitude
-
Hope
Description
Moluccella is an annual plant native to the Mediterranean coast, characterized by large shell-like calyxes with a net pattern. It produces tiny white flowers 1-2mm in size at the center of the calyx and has a faint mint-like fragrance. It's popular as both fresh cut flowers and dried flowers for arrangements.
Trivia
- The green flower-like parts are actually calyxes, while the true flowers are the tiny white parts inside
- Maintains its shape well when dried and can be enjoyed for long periods
- Has a subtle fragrance from leaves and stems, typical of mint family plants
- Long-lasting as cut flowers with easy water uptake
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
- Floral arrangements
Medicinal
- No confirmed medicinal uses
Caution:
No specific cautions
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Fragrance (faint mint scent)
- Decorative purposes
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxic parts
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Great Burnet
Burnet Bloodwort
Official Burnet
Scientific Name:
Sanguisorba officinalis
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
Change
-
Contemplation
-
Admiration
Description
Great Burnet is a perennial herb native to grasslands and mountain fields throughout Japan. It produces oval flower spikes 1-3cm long at the stem tips with dark reddish flowers. The flower-like parts are actually calyxes, as the petals have degenerated. The rhizome is used as a medicinal herb called 'Chiyu' for hemostatic and antidiarrheal purposes, having been valued as medicine since ancient times.
Trivia
- Scientific name Sanguisorba means 'blood absorber' in Latin, referring to its hemostatic properties
- Flowers bloom sequentially from top to bottom
- Rhizomes are rich in tannins and saponins
- Related species Salad Burnet has edible young leaves
Uses
Ornamental
- Ikebana arrangements
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Hemostatic effects
- Antidiarrheal
- Burn treatment
- Dermatitis treatment
Caution:
Caution with tannin affecting iron absorption and excessive saponin intake
Other
- Natural dye (red color from roots)
- Herbal tea
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxic parts
Symptoms:
Non-toxic, but caution needed with excessive tannin and saponin intake
Japanese Linden
Miquel's Linden
Japanese Lime Tree
Scientific Name:
Tilia miqueliana
Family:
Malvaceae
Flower Language
-
Marital Love
-
Marriage
-
Passionate Love
Description
Japanese Linden is a deciduous tall tree native to China, reaching up to 30 meters in height. It blooms with fragrant pale yellow flowers in early summer and serves as an important nectar source. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the fruits called 'bodaishi' are used to make prayer beads. Although different from the Indian Bodhi tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment, it's planted at Japanese Buddhist temples as a substitute.
Trivia
- Different species from the Indian Bodhi tree (Moraceae) under which Buddha achieved enlightenment
- European linden honey is prized as premium honey
- The fruits (bodaishi) are important materials for Buddhist prayer beads
- Chinese name is Nanjing Duan (南京椴)
Uses
Ornamental
- Temple ground trees
- Park trees
- Street trees
Medicinal
- Sedative effects from flowers
- Diaphoretic properties
- Anti-allergic effects
Caution:
Consult with medical professionals if allergic, pregnant, or breastfeeding
Culinary
- Flowers (honey)
- Fruits (bodaishi)
Other
- Honey production
- Prayer bead material
- Timber use
Toxicity
Toxic Parts:
No toxic parts
Symptoms:
Non-toxic, but those with allergies should exercise caution