Saga Chrysanthemum
Classic Chrysanthemum
Saga Mum
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum grandiflorum cv. Saga
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Saga chrysanthemum is one of the three major varieties of classic chrysanthemums, along with Higo and Ise chrysanthemums. It originates from wild chrysanthemums that grew naturally on Kiku Island in Osawa Pond at Daikakuji Temple in Sagano, Kyoto, during the era of Emperor Saga. It is characterized by numerous thin, thread-like tubular petals about 10cm long surrounding flowers about 3cm in diameter. Its elegant and delicate beauty gives it the flower language of femininity. The traditional cultivation method involves growing three stems per pot to a height of 2 meters in the 'Shichi-go-san' arrangement: 7 flowers at the bottom, 5 in the middle, and 3 at the top.
Trivia
- Has over 1200 years of history, beloved since the era of Emperor Saga (786-842)
- Features unique cultivation method called 'Shichi-go-san' arrangement in Saga School of Ikebana
- One of the representative varieties of classical horticultural culture that flourished during the Edo period
- Classic chrysanthemum exhibitions are still held annually at Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto
Uses
Ornamental
- Display at classic chrysanthemum exhibitions
- Use as tea flowers in tea ceremony
- Ornamental planting in gardens
Medicinal
- No specific medicinal uses
Caution:
No special precautions
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Flower material for Saga School of Ikebana
- Preservation and inheritance as cultural heritage
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Pyrethrum
Insect Flower
Painted Daisy
Scientific Name:
Tanacetum cinerariifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Pyrethrum is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It contains pyrethrin, an insecticidal compound used as a raw material for mosquito coils and insecticides. It blooms white flowers 4-7.5cm in diameter from May to July and can be enjoyed in both garden and pot cultivation. It was introduced to Japan in 1886 (Meiji 19) and commercial cultivation began in Wakayama Prefecture. The flower language 'secret love' derives from the association with quiet nighttime secret meetings when used as mosquito coils during the night.
Trivia
- Ueyama Eiichiro, father of Japan's mosquito coil industry, began cultivation after importing seeds from America
- Pre-war Japan was the world's largest pyrethrin producer
- Plant that led to the founding of Dainippon Jochugiku (Kincho)
- Natural pyrethrin remains important as the prototype for synthetic pyrethroids
Uses
Ornamental
- Use as cut flowers in bouquets
- Border planting and flower beds in gardens
- Ornamental pot cultivation
Medicinal
- Effect as external insecticide
- Natural insect repelling properties
Caution:
May cause allergic reactions, caution required
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Raw material for mosquito coils
- Natural insecticide production
- Pest control in organic farming
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Flowers, Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
Allergic reactions from skin contact, respiratory irritation
Red Spider Lily
Hurricane Lily
Resurrection Lily
Naked Lady
Scientific Name:
Lycoris radiata
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
Sad Memories
-
Passion
-
Reunion
-
Abandonment
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is a perennial plant of the Amaryllidaceae family native to mainland China, classified as a prehistoric naturalized plant in Japan. It is called 'Higanbana' (equinox flower) because it suddenly extends its flower stem and blooms bright red flowers around the autumn equinox in September. It has the unique characteristic that flowers and leaves never appear simultaneously; leaves emerge after the flowers finish. The name 'Manjushage' derives from Buddhist scriptures and means 'red flower' in Sanskrit. Because it blooms during the autumn equinox and Ohigan period, it is deeply connected with ancestor worship and grave visits, becoming a symbol of autumn in Japan. The entire plant is toxic, especially the bulb, which historically served to protect buried bodies from moles and other animals when planted in cemeteries.
Trivia
- Known to have over 1000 alternative names with various local appellations
- Called 'leaves-not-seen flowers-not-seen' because flowers and leaves never appear together
- Called 'Sangchohwa' in Korea and beloved as the flower of lovers who cannot meet
- In colony areas, you can enjoy spectacular red carpet-like scenery in late September
Uses
Ornamental
- Planting in cemeteries and memorial parks
- Landscape formation along rice field ridges
- Ornamental use in autumn gardens
Medicinal
- Traditional external medicine (not recommended due to toxicity)
Caution:
Dangerous for medical use due to toxicity throughout the plant
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity (bulbs are especially dangerous)
Other
- Soil erosion prevention (rice field ridges)
- Role as pest deterrent
- Motif in literature and art
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Flowers, Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
Vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system paralysis. Accidental ingestion of bulbs is especially dangerous
Japanese Yew
Yew
Spreading Yew
Scientific Name:
Taxus cuspidata
Family:
Taxaceae
Description
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is an evergreen coniferous tree of the Taxaceae family, endemic to Japan and widely distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu. It blooms small pale cream-colored flowers from March to April and bears red berries from September to October. It is dioecious, and while the fruit flesh is edible, all other parts are toxic. The Japanese name 'Ichii' is said to derive from the fact that Shinto priests used scepters made from this wood, and Emperor Nintoku granted the tree the highest court rank of Shoichii. Because it grows very slowly and has a long lifespan, it is often planted in cemeteries in Britain, which gave rise to the flower language of 'death' and 'sorrow.' On the other hand, it also has the flower language of 'nobility' from being used as material for scepters used by high-ranking officials. It is popular as a garden tree and for bonsai, and is particularly beloved in Hokkaido under the name 'Onko.'
Trivia
- Called 'Onko' in Hokkaido and beloved as a local tree by residents
- Bows made from yew wood have been highly valued since ancient times
- Some European yew specimens reach thousands of years in age
- In the bonsai world, yew is known as a species for advanced practitioners
Uses
Ornamental
- Planting as garden trees
- Appreciation in bonsai
- Use as hedges
Medicinal
- Limited use in folk medicine (not recommended due to toxicity)
Caution:
Dangerous for medical use as all parts except fruit flesh are toxic
Culinary
- Fruit flesh (excluding seeds)
Other
- Use as high-quality timber
- Material for scepters and crafts
- Use as construction material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Bark, Branches, Seeds
Symptoms:
Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest. Seeds are especially toxic