Milkweed
Butterfly Weed
Swamp Milkweed
Scientific Name:
Asclepias curassavica
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
Inconstancy
-
Let me go
-
Healthy body
Description
Native to North America and other regions, this plant gets its Japanese name 'Touwata' from the cotton-like appendages on its seeds. When stems or leaves are damaged, white milky sap emerges, hence the English name 'Milkweed'. It serves as a crucial host plant for Monarch butterflies, whose larvae consume the toxic leaves to protect themselves from predators.
Trivia
- Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of kilometers annually and cannot survive without milkweed
- Seed floss can travel several kilometers on the wind
- The toxic cardenolides are powerful compounds that affect the heart
- Native Americans called this plant 'butterfly medicine'
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden planting
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Traditionally used for treating coughs and respiratory ailments
- Applied externally for skin conditions
Caution:
Contains toxic compounds throughout the plant; medical use requires professional guidance
Other
- Used in ecosystem conservation as Monarch butterfly host plant
- Seed floss historically used as cotton substitute
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially stem and leaf sap
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac irregularities. Skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Gerbera
Gerbera Daisy
African Daisy
Scientific Name:
Gerbera Hybrids
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Noble beauty
-
Hope
-
Positive attitude
Description
A tropical flower that blooms from spring to autumn, popular especially among women for its gorgeous shape and colors. It appeared in Japan in the early Taisho period. Spider-type varieties feature narrow petals that spread like spider legs, offering a unique charm different from traditional round gerberas.
Trivia
- One of the world's most popular cut flowers with billions produced annually
- Spider-type is a relatively new variety created through breeding programs
- Growers use special cultivation techniques to control flower orientation
- Cutting stems at an angle helps extend vase life
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Floral arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
No particular medicinal uses
Other
- Wedding bouquets
- Event decoration
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Pentas
Star Cluster
Egyptian Star Cluster
Scientific Name:
Pentas lanceolata
Family:
Rubiaceae
Flower Language
-
Wish
-
Wishes come true
-
Hope fulfilled
Description
A tropical plant native to tropical Africa, featuring densely clustered small star-shaped flowers. The name derives from 'Pente,' meaning '5' in Greek, referring to its five-petaled star-shaped flowers. It's cherished as a wish-fulfilling flower, inspired by the tradition of making wishes upon shooting stars.
Trivia
- English name 'Star Cluster' comes from its star-shaped flowers
- Heat-tolerant and blooms repeatedly throughout summer
- Frequently used in garden design as a butterfly-attracting plant
- Available in rich color variations including white, pink, red, and purple
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Potted plants
- Mixed plantings
Medicinal
Caution:
No particular medicinal uses, but it's a safe plant
Other
- Nectar source plant for butterflies and bees
- Event decoration
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Joseph's Coat
Tricolor Amaranth
Chinese Spinach
Scientific Name:
Amaranthus tricolor
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Flower Language
-
Immortality
-
Affection
-
Pretentious
Description
An annual plant native to tropical Asia, grown as an ornamental foliage plant rather than for flowers. The initially green leaves transform into beautiful combinations of red, yellow, and green from late summer. It's also called 'Ganraikou' (meaning 'wild geese's arrival red') because leaves traditionally colored when wild geese arrived in autumn, though modern varieties color from summer.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'tricolor' means 'three colors,' referring to its leaf coloration
- Modern varieties are bred to color in high temperatures, making the name 'Ganraikou' outdated
- Member of the amaranth family, with nutritious seeds gaining attention as 'superfood'
- Rare plant that maintains beautiful coloration even under scorching sun
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower beds
- Garden backgrounds
- Ornamental foliage
Medicinal
Caution:
No particular medicinal uses
Other
- Cut foliage
- Dried arrangements
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Gentian
Japanese Gentian
Autumn Gentian
Scientific Name:
Gentiana scabra var. buergeri
Family:
Gentianaceae
Flower Language
-
Victory
-
Justice
-
Sincerity
Description
A perennial herb native to Japan, distributed in somewhat dry mountain areas of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It's a representative autumn wildflower with beautiful blue-purple blooms. Long known by the herbal medicine name 'ryutan' (dragon's gall), its roots are extremely bitter, said to be more bitter than bear bile, hence the name.
Trivia
- Named 'dragon's gall' for being more bitter than bear bile
- Gentiopicroside bitter compound provides digestive benefits
- Featured in haiku and tanka as representative autumn wildflower
- Wild collection is restricted; cultivated varieties are recommended
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Garden planting
- Wildflower gardens
Medicinal
- Bitter digestive tonic
- Treatment for urethritis
- Anti-inflammatory for rheumatism
Caution:
Avoid continuous use; contraindicated for pregnant women and those with cold constitution
Culinary
Not edible (medicinal use only)
Other
- Herbal medicine (ryutan)
- Traditional Chinese medicine ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Roots
Symptoms:
Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal disorders. Avoid use during pregnancy or if you have a cold constitution.