Clustered Bellflower
Dahurian Bellflower
Campanula
Scientific Name:
Campanula glomerata var. dahurica
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
obedience
-
sincerity
-
gratitude
Characteristics
Colors:
purple
Description
Yatsushiro-sou is a perennial plant in the Campanula genus of the Campanulaceae family, named after its discovery in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It blooms with purple, bell-shaped flowers from May to September, characterized by upward-facing flowers unlike typical bellflowers. It is listed as an endangered species (Class IB) on the Ministry of Environment's Red List and currently grows wild only in parts of Kyushu. With a height of 30-100cm, it is also cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful gentian-like flowers.
Trivia
- A Japanese endemic variety named after its discovery in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto
- A rare plant listed as Endangered Class IB on the Ministry of Environment's Red List
- Distinguished from typical bellflowers by its upward-facing blooms
- Cultivated worldwide as the horticultural variety Campanula glomerata
Uses
Ornamental
- Display in alpine botanical gardens
- Potted cultivation as a rare plant
- Use in nature conservation education
Medicinal
- Limited records as a traditional medicinal herb
Caution:
Collection is prohibited as it is an endangered species
Culinary
No culinary uses
Other
- Educational material for environmental studies
- Subject of biodiversity research
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Cockscomb
Woolflower
Brain Celosia
Scientific Name:
Celosia argentea var. cristata
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Flower Language
-
unfading love
-
stylish
-
individuality
-
unique
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Cockscomb is an annual plant of the Amaranthaceae family native to Southeast Asia, named for its distinctive flower shape resembling a rooster's comb. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, while the brightly colored parts are called inflorescences. From summer to autumn, it brightens flower beds with vivid colors of red, pink, yellow, and orange. It was introduced to Japan via China during the Nara period and appears in the Man'yoshu poetry collection as 'Karaai'. It's popular as a dried flower because it doesn't fade easily when dried.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Celosia' derives from the Greek word meaning 'burning'
- The colorful parts that appear to be flowers are actually 'inflorescences' - modified stems
- Called 'Karaai' in the Man'yoshu, it has been beloved by Japanese people since ancient times
- The flower language 'unfading love' arose because it doesn't fade easily when dried
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as the star of summer flower beds
- Used in arrangements as cut flowers
- Enjoyed long-term as dried flowers
Medicinal
- Considered to have hemostatic properties in traditional Chinese medicine
- Historical records of use in treating eye diseases
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended in modern medicine
Culinary
- young leaves
- inflorescences
Other
- Used as natural dye
- Decorative material for crafts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
seeds
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild effects on the digestive system
Garden Balsam
Rose Balsam
Touch-me-not
Spotted Snapweed
Scientific Name:
Impatiens balsamina
Family:
Balsaminaceae
Flower Language
-
don't touch me
-
impatience
-
restlessness
-
cheerfulness
Description
Garden Balsam is an annual plant of the Balsaminaceae family native to Southeast Asia, blooming with beautiful flowers in red, pink, purple, and white during summer. Its most distinctive feature is the 'explosive fruit' property where seeds scatter vigorously when the ripe fruit is touched, which is the origin of the flower language 'don't touch me' and 'impatience'. In China, there has long been a custom of women dyeing their nails red with flower juice, and in Japan it was called 'tsumaeni' (nail red). The scientific name 'Impatiens' means 'impatient', expressing the seed-bursting property.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Impatiens' means 'impatient', derived from the seed-bursting property
- Known in China as 'finger-dyeing grass' for women dyeing their nails red with flower juice
- The seed-bursting mechanism is used in science education as an excellent example of plant seed dispersal strategies
- Called 'tsumaeni' in Edo period Japan, it was popular among fashionable women
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivated in summer flower beds and potted plants
- Used in arrangements as cut flowers
- Used in educational gardening for children
Medicinal
- Considered to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties in traditional Chinese medicine
- Historical records of use in treating arthritis and skin diseases
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended in modern times and requires expert guidance
Culinary
No culinary uses
Other
- Used as natural nail dye
- Experimental material in children's science education
- Plant for insect observation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
whole plant, especially seeds
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause gastrointestinal disorders