Winged Everlasting
Ammobium
White Everlasting
Scientific Name:
Ammobium alatum
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
firm promise
-
unchanging vow
-
eternal sorrow
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Ammobium is an annual plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Australia. Growing 30-60cm tall, it produces white flowers about 4cm in diameter from May to July. What appears to be petals are actually bracts (protective leaves around the flower), with the yellow center being the true flowers. The stems have wing-like ridges, giving rise to the scientific name 'alatum' (winged). Highly drought-resistant and retaining color well when dried, it's valued as an everlasting flower.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'alatum' means winged, referring to stem ridges
- Dried flowers retain color for over 3 years
- Often confused with Helichrysum but Ammobium only has white flowers
- Commercial cultivation began in Australia in the 1970s
Uses
Ornamental
- Dried flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- No significant medicinal uses reported
Caution:
No special precautions needed
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Craft materials
- Flower arrangements
- Memorial decorations
Vanda
Vanda Orchid
Blue Orchid
Scientific Name:
Vanda coerulea
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
elegant beauty
-
elegance
-
glamorous love
-
unique
Description
Vanda is an epiphytic orchid genus with about 60 species distributed mainly in Southeast Asia. As the Sanskrit name meaning 'dwelling on trees' suggests, they naturally grow as epiphytes on trees. Flowers are 5-10cm in diameter with beautiful net-like patterns, coming in rich colors including blue, purple, pink, and white. The blue-purple color is considered unique among orchids. They have thick stems with alternating leaves and extend aerial roots to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
Trivia
- Known for unique blue-purple color among orchids
- Cultivated using unique method with aerial roots
- Called 'Faa Chompoo' in Thai
- Singapore's national flower 'Vanda Miss Joaquim' was discovered in 1893
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants (epiphytic cultivation)
- Cut flowers
- Corsages
- Bouquets
Medicinal
- Sometimes used in traditional medicine for fever reduction
Caution:
Effects not confirmed by modern medicine
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Research for fragrance materials
- Used as breeding parent for cultivars
- Main display plants in conservatories
Euphorbia
Spurge
Milkweed
Scientific Name:
Euphorbia marginata
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Flower Language
-
modest
-
gaining cooperation
-
I want to see you again
-
shine brightly
Description
Euphorbia is a diverse genus in the Euphorbiaceae family with over 2000 species distributed from tropical to temperate regions worldwide. They include annuals, perennials, succulents, and shrubs with extremely diverse forms, but share common characteristics of cyathia (cup-shaped flower structures) and white milky sap when injured. The scientific name honors the Greek physician Euphorbus who served Numidian King Juba II, adopted by Linnaeus as the genus name in 1753.
Trivia
- Scientific name honors Greek physician Euphorbus, named by Linnaeus in 1753
- One of the most species-rich plant genera in the world
- Succulent euphorbias are concentrated in Africa and Madagascar
- Christmas poinsettia is also a Euphorbia species
Uses
Ornamental
- Succulent plants (potted)
- Garden planting
- Cut flowers
- Flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in traditional medicine for skin conditions
- Some species researched for anti-cancer properties
Caution:
Milky sap is toxic and may cause dermatitis - caution required
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Some species used as rubber sources
- Research subject for biofuels
- Used as natural insecticides
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Milky sap, All parts
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Safflower
Carthamus
False Saffron
Scientific Name:
Carthamus tinctorius
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
makeup
-
adornment
-
special person
-
tolerance
Description
Safflower is an annual or biennial plant in the Asteraceae family, native to West Asia and the Mediterranean coast. Growing 0.5-1m tall with 5-10cm leaves, it produces thistle-like flowers 2.5-4cm in radius in early summer. Flowers start as deep yellow, gradually changing to orange and finally to red. Introduced to Japan in the 5th-6th centuries, it was called 'kure-no-ai' (Chinese indigo) and valued for red dye, edible oil, and cosmetics. The scientific name Carthamus means 'to dye' and tinctorius means 'used for dyeing.'
Trivia
- Yamagata Prefecture is Japan's largest producer, historically shipped via Mogami River
- Safflower-dyed cloth found in Tutankhamun's tomb
- Color change from yellow to red is due to oxidation reactions
- Has the elegant name 'Suetsumuhana' (flower picked at the end)
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Cut flowers
- Dried flowers
- Flower bed color
Medicinal
- Seed oil believed to improve blood circulation
- Flowers used for fever reduction and pain relief
Caution:
Avoid use during pregnancy
Culinary
- Seeds (oil source)
- Flowers (dye, seasoning)
Other
- Red dye (lipstick, rouge)
- Edible oil source
- Natural food coloring
- Traditional medicine ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds (when consumed in large quantities)
Symptoms:
Generally safe but large quantities should be avoided during pregnancy