Cape Primrose
Streptocarpus
Scientific Name:
Streptocarpus hybridus
Family:
Gesneriaceae
Flower Language
-
Truth
-
Answering Trust
-
Assertion
Description
A perennial plant with about 130 known species native mainly to South Africa. The name comes from streptos (twisted) and karpus (fruit) due to its spiral-twisted fruit. The leaves are oval with wrinkles, and flowers in various colors such as blue, purple, and pink bloom from spring to summer. The flowers resemble large violets and can be enjoyed for a long flowering period.
Trivia
- The fruit has the unusual characteristic of unraveling and scattering powdery seeds when ripe
- Also known as 'cow's tongue' due to its leaf shape
- Has been a staple of indoor gardening since its introduction to Europe in the 19th century
- Species are divided into stemless types and those that grow long stems
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor decoration
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Not commonly used medicinally
Caution:
Non-toxic but not edible
Other
- Primarily used as ornamental garden plants
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic but not edible
Tatarian Aster
Purple Aster
Scientific Name:
Aster tataricus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Thinking of someone far away
-
Reminiscence
-
I won't forget you
Description
A perennial plant of the wild chrysanthemum family that can reach up to 2 meters in height. Small light purple flowers bloom densely at the tip of the stem. It was introduced from China during the Heian period and the roots were used as a Chinese herbal medicine to treat coughs and phlegm. It is known for its flower language 'thinking of someone far away' which originates from a story in the Konjaku Monogatarishu.
Trivia
- The demon story in Konjaku Monogatarishu is the origin of the flower language 'thinking of someone far away'
- The roots are said to be as bitter as a dragon's liver, which also gave rise to the Chinese medicine name 'dragon's gall'
- Valued as a medicinal herb since the Heian period and still used in Chinese medicine today
- Long beloved by the Japanese as a representative autumn wild chrysanthemum
Uses
Ornamental
- Autumn cut flowers
- Garden planting
- Natural style gardens
Medicinal
- Antitussive and expectorant effects
- Diuretic effects
- Used as Chinese medicine 'Shion'
Caution:
Contraindicated for people with lung heat or yellow phlegm as it warms the body
Culinary
Not edible, but roots are decocted for medicinal use
Other
- Component herb in Chinese prescriptions like Shakan-maoto and Shion-san
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic but roots are extremely bitter
Evening Star
Japanese Swertia
Purple Swertia
Scientific Name:
Swertia japonica
Family:
Gentianaceae
Flower Language
-
All is well
-
Peace
-
Composure
-
Scattering love
Description
A delicate light purple flower with five petals forming a small star shape. From straight-growing branches, countless branched stems spread out, blooming flowers successively at their tips. Flowering from September to November, it's a perennial native to Japan. Characterized by star-like flower shape and gentle light purple color, it's designated as a near-threatened species.
Trivia
- The distribution name 'Evening Star' is not official; officially called 'Murasaki-senburi'
- The flower language 'scattering love' comes from the small star-shaped petals
- Despite being related to Swertia japonica, it has no known medicinal effects
- Known as birth flower for September 20, October 8, and October 31
Uses
Ornamental
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Cut flowers
- Wildflower gardening
Medicinal
- Related to Swertia japonica but not commonly used medicinally
Caution:
Should not be collected as it is a near-threatened species
Other
- Should only be observed for ecosystem protection
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity
Gentian
Japanese Gentian
Scientific Name:
Gentiana scabra var. buergeri
Family:
Gentianaceae
Flower Language
-
Victory
-
Justice
-
Sincerity
Characteristics
Colors:
Purple
Description
Flowering from October to November, producing several large blue-purple flowers in the upper leaf axils of the stem. The roots have been considered to have medicinal properties since ancient Egyptian times and used as medicinal plants. The dried roots are extremely bitter, so bitter like a dragon's liver, hence the name 'dragon's gall'. It remains an important herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine today.
Trivia
- Flower languages 'victory' and 'justice' derive from the image of overcoming illness as medicine
- Named 'dragon's gall' for being even more bitter than bear's gall
- Still used in Chinese medicine prescriptions like Ryutan-shakanto today
- Breeding has produced various colors including white, red-purple, and pink
Uses
Ornamental
- Autumn cut flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Bitter stomachic medicine
- Anti-inflammatory for urethritis
- Rheumatism treatment
Caution:
Extremely bitter, caution needed when taking
Culinary
Not edible, but roots used medicinally
Other
- Important component herb in Chinese prescriptions like Ryutan-shakanto
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic but roots are extremely bitter
Rosemary
Garden Rosemary
Scientific Name:
Salvia rosmarinus
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Remembrance
-
Memory
-
Unchanging love
-
Think of me
Description
Native to the Mediterranean coast, it's an evergreen shrub belonging to the mint family. Characterized by small, narrow leaves with a sweet and refreshing fragrance, the name rosemary comes from the Latin 'ros marinus' (dew of the sea), referring to its growth very close to the seashore. It has long been used as both a culinary herb and medicinal herb.
Trivia
- Long beloved as the 'herb of youth'
- Famous herb that appears in Shakespeare's works
- Retains fragrance even when dried, making it easy to store
- Scientific name changed from Rosmarinus officinalis to Salvia rosmarinus in 2017
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Herb gardens
Medicinal
- Memory enhancement
- Blood circulation improvement
- Antioxidant effects
Caution:
Should be avoided during pregnancy
Other
- Aromatherapy
- Cosmetic ingredient
- Natural insect repellent
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves when consumed in large quantities
Symptoms:
No problem with normal culinary use, but large quantities should be avoided