Arabian Jasmine
Sambac Jasmine
Pikake
Sampaguita
Scientific Name:
Jasminum sambac
Family:
Oleaceae
Flower Language
-
purity and innocence
-
eternal spring
-
elegance
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Matsurika is an evergreen semi-climbing shrub that produces clusters of three highly fragrant white flowers at the stem tips. The flowers come in single, semi-double, and double forms, blooming from evening to early morning and changing to purplish-pink as they age. In China, the fragrance of freshly picked morning flowers is transferred to green tea, or dried buds are mixed with oolong tea to create jasmine tea. It serves as the national flower of both Indonesia and the Philippines.
Trivia
- National flower of Indonesia and Philippines, featured on their currencies
- Called 'Pikake' in Hawaii, named after King Kamehameha's wife
- Flowers last only one day and wilt by morning, so jasmine tea flowers are picked before dawn
- Famous Chinese folk song 'Mo Li Hua' celebrates this flower
Uses
Ornamental
- Fragrant garden plant
- Indoor potted cultivation
- Scenting for flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for sedative effects
- Linalool content provides mental and physical relaxation
- Used to improve insomnia
Caution:
Care must be taken not to confuse with other jasmine species, especially Carolina jasmine
Culinary
- flowers (fresh petals)
- buds (dried)
Other
- Source of perfume and essential oils
- Fragrance for soaps and cosmetics
- Religious ceremony offerings
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic, but care must be taken not to confuse with the toxic Carolina jasmine
Christmas Bells
Chinese Lantern Lily
Golden Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name:
Sandersonia aurantiaca
Family:
Colchicaceae
Flower Language
-
sympathy
-
nostalgia
-
prayer
-
good news
Characteristics
Colors:
orange
Description
Sandersonia is a bulbous plant native to South Africa that produces numerous charming orange lantern or lamp-shade shaped flowers in early summer. Each flower stem bears about 10 flowers, characterized by thin bamboo-like leaves and slender stems. It's a unique genus containing only one species, aurantiaca, discovered by botanist John Sanderson in 1851. It was first imported to Japan from America in 1959.
Trivia
- Unique monotypic genus with only one species
- Named after discoverer John Sanderson
- Protected species in South Africa due to declining wild populations
- Japanese name 'chochin-yuri' means lantern lily
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Potted plant cultivation
- Garden summer flowering plant
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxic colchicine content in bulbs
Other
- Distinctive material for floral arrangements
- Dried flower use
- Collectors' plant for garden enthusiasts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
bulbs, entire plant
Symptoms:
Contains toxic colchicine in bulbs, causing vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
Scarlet Sage
Red Salvia
Salvia
Scientific Name:
Salvia splendens
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
burning passion
-
wisdom
-
respect
-
family love
Characteristics
Colors:
red
Description
Salvia is an annual plant characterized by clusters of brilliant, flame-like red flowers. Native to Brazil, it has a long blooming period from June to November, providing vibrant flowers from spring to autumn when properly cultivated. As a member of the mint family, it has square stems and opposite, oval leaves with serrated edges. The flowers bloom in spikes, and their vivid red color earned it the Japanese name 'higoromo-sou' (scarlet robe grass).
Trivia
- Name derives from Latin 'salvare' meaning 'to save', referring to medicinal properties
- About 900 species of Salvia exist worldwide
- Red salvia attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, with flower shape adapted for their nectar feeding
- Introduced to Japan during Meiji period, originally called 'Higoromo-sou'
Uses
Ornamental
- Mass planting in flower beds
- Potted plant appreciation
- Cut flower use
Medicinal
- Ornamental salvia not used medicinally
- Medicinal salvia (common sage) is different species
Caution:
Ornamental Salvia splendens and medicinal Salvia officinalis are different species
Culinary
ornamental salvia not edible
Other
- Landscape decoration for parks and streets
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Educational plant for horticulture
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Ornamental salvia is generally non-toxic, but large quantities should be avoided