Peace Lily
Spathe Flower
White Sails
Scientific Name:
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Family:
Araceae
Flower Language
-
Pure Heart
-
Elegant Lady
-
Refreshing Days
-
Embracing Love
Description
A perennial plant from the Araceae family native to tropical America, popular as a houseplant for its distinctive white spathes. It has strong shade tolerance and can bloom year-round under good conditions. What appears to be white flowers are actually spathes, with the true flowers being small and located on the central spadix. Its elegant and pure appearance has given it flower meanings like 'pure heart' and 'elegant lady'.
Trivia
- NASA research confirmed its effectiveness in removing indoor air pollutants
- Named from Greek words 'spathe' (spathe) and 'phyllon' (leaf)
- Individual flowers last only one day but new ones continuously bloom
- Has been known since ancient times, recorded in historical botanical texts
Uses
Ornamental
- Popular as indoor houseplant
- Used as cut flowers in arrangements
- Wedding and celebration decorations
Medicinal
- Young spadix of some species is used as food when pickled or cooked
Caution:
Contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause mouth irritation and swelling if ingested
Culinary
Generally not suitable for consumption
Other
- Known for air purifying properties
- Helps regulate indoor humidity
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems, Spadix
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause mouth irritation, swelling of lips and tongue, difficulty swallowing, and nausea
Chinese Trumpet Vine
Trumpet Creeper
Chinese Trumpet Creeper
Scientific Name:
Campsis grandiflora
Family:
Bignoniaceae
Flower Language
-
Life with Flowers
-
Fame
-
Honor
Description
A deciduous climbing vine from the Bignoniaceae family native to China, producing beautiful orange trumpet-shaped flowers from July to August. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, with dried flowers called 'Ling Xiao Hua' used for promoting blood circulation and treating gynecological conditions. The vine can grow 3-10m long and climbs walls and trees using aerial roots.
Trivia
- Recorded in the Heian period botanical text 'Honzo Wamyo' (918 AD) as 'Nouseu'
- English name comes from its trumpet-like flower shape
- Known by multiple names in China including 'Zi Wei' and 'Ling Xiao Hua'
- Vines can live over 20 years, producing more flowers each year
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden arch and fence decoration
- Building wall greening
- Summer cut flowers
Medicinal
- Blood circulation promotion
- Treatment of gynecological conditions
- Diuretic effects
- Skin disease treatment
Caution:
Flower nectar contains toxins, avoid ingestion. Do not use medicinally without expert guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Sometimes used as natural dye
- Attracts bees and butterflies as nectar source
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Flower nectar, Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Contains lapachol in flower nectar which can cause poisoning symptoms if ingested
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Ghost Weed
White Margined Spurge
Scientific Name:
Euphorbia marginata
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Flower Language
-
Blessing
-
Peaceful Life
-
Curiosity
Description
An annual plant from the Euphorbiaceae family native to North America. From July to August, the upper leaves develop white margins, creating a beautiful snow-like appearance. This characteristic leaf change is the origin of its Japanese name 'Hatsu-yuki-so' (First Snow Grass). It grows 30cm to 1m tall with upright stems that branch at the top. While the flowers are small and inconspicuous, the contrast with the white-margined leaves makes it a beautiful ornamental plant.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'marginata' means 'margined', referring to the white leaf edges
- Heat-tolerant, maintaining beautiful foliage even in midsummer
- Seeds naturally disperse and may germinate the following year
- Has been beloved as a summer staple since its introduction to Japan in the Edo period
Uses
Ornamental
- Summer garden color
- Cut flowers for arrangements
- Dried flower decorations
Medicinal
- Traditionally used topically for skin conditions
Caution:
Contains toxic latex typical of Euphorbia species; avoid ingestion or direct skin contact
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Seeds sometimes used as bird food
- Functions as nectar source for insects
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially milky latex from stems
Symptoms:
Contact can cause skin inflammation, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms
Hibiscus
Rose of China
Chinese Hibiscus
Scientific Name:
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Family:
Malvaceae
Flower Language
-
Graceful Beauty
-
Delicate Beauty
-
New Love
-
Delicate Beauty
Characteristics
Colors:
White
Description
An evergreen shrub from the Malvaceae family native to tropical Asia, known as a day-blooming flower. White hibiscus features beautiful contrast between pure white large petals and red stamens, earning flower meanings of 'graceful beauty' and 'delicate beauty'. Though individual flowers bloom in the morning and wilt by evening, new flowers continuously appear. In warm regions, it blooms year-round, captivating people with its vibrant colors.
Trivia
- In Hawaii, wearing a flower behind the right ear indicates being taken, left ear means single
- Individual flowers usually last one day, but some varieties bloom for 2-3 days
- Flower sizes vary from 5cm to 30cm depending on variety
- Called 'Akabana' in Okinawa and designated as the prefectural flower
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden and park ornamental plants
- Potted plants and cut flowers
- Leis and floral arrangements
Medicinal
- Flowers are believed to have blood pressure lowering effects
- Leaves sometimes used topically for skin conditions
Caution:
Consult experts before using medicinally
Other
- Used for herbal tea
- Natural dye production
- Cosmetic ingredient
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally considered non-toxic and used as food