Pineapple Lily
Eucomis
Pineapple Flower
Scientific Name:
Eucomis comosa
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
perfection
-
completeness
-
you are perfect
Description
Pineapple Lily is a bulbous plant from the Asparagaceae family native to South Africa, with the scientific name Eucomis meaning 'beautiful hair (hair ornament)' in Greek, referring to the bracts at the flower spike tips. From July to August, it extends 40-70cm flower stems topped with dense spikes of small star-shaped flowers. The spike tips feature pineapple leaf-like bracts, giving rise to the common name Pineapple Lily due to this distinctive appearance. Flower colors range from yellow-green to pale pink, cream, and white. Eleven species are native to South Africa, with about 14 species known in total. Popular as cut flowers in Japan, their unique form makes them valuable accents in bouquets and arrangements.
Trivia
- Scientific name Eucomis means 'beautiful hair ornament' in Greek
- Eleven species native to South Africa, 14 species known worldwide
- Named for bracts at spike tips resembling pineapple leaves
- Excellent cut flower longevity, lasting 2-3 weeks
Uses
Ornamental
- Long-lasting cut flowers
- Valued as accent in flower arrangements
- Summer color in garden plantings
Medicinal
- South African folk medicine for digestive system ailments
- Bulbs traditionally used medicinally
Caution:
Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Collection target among bulb plant enthusiasts
- Retains unique form as dried flowers
- Seeds distributed for horticultural use
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Leaves
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal disorders.
Spider Flower
Cleome
Spider Plant
Cat's Whiskers
Scientific Name:
Cleome hassleriana
Family:
Cleomaceae
Flower Language
-
secret time
-
butterfly dancing in the wind
-
intoxicated by your beauty
-
small love
Description
Cleome is an annual from the Cleomaceae family native to tropical America, known in Japanese as Western Spider Flower (Seiyo-fuchouso). Introduced to Japan in the early Meiji period, it's now a popular flower coloring summer gardens. Growing 60-150cm tall, flowers are ephemeral, opening in the evening and withering by midday the next day, but continuous blooming occurs as flower stems extend and bloom sequentially from bottom to top, providing long flowering periods. Flowers have 4 petals with long stamens extending like spider legs, hence the English name Spider Flower. Colors include pink, white, and purple, with buds starting deep pink and fading to whitish as they mature, leading to the alternative name 'Drunken Butterfly Flower.' Heat-tolerant and continues blooming beautifully despite strong summer sunlight.
Trivia
- Ephemeral flowers opening in evening and withering by next day's noon
- Beautiful color change from deep pink buds to white blooms
- English name Spider Flower from long stamens resembling spider legs
- Alternative name 'Drunken Butterfly Flower' from color-changing blooms
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for enjoying unique forms
- Summer background plantings in flower beds
- Height accent in container gardens
Medicinal
- South American folk medicine for skin condition treatment
- Traditional use for anti-inflammatory purposes
Caution:
Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees
- Seeds used as bird food
- Retains unique form as dried flowers
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Datura
Devil's Trumpet
Moonflower
Hell's Bell
Scientific Name:
Datura metel
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
charm
-
in a dream
-
intoxicating you
-
intoxication
Description
Korean Morning Glory is an annual from the Solanaceae family native to South Asia. Despite its Japanese name containing 'Korean,' it's not from the Korean Peninsula - historically, foreign plants were often prefixed with 'Chosen' (Korea). It's also not related to morning glories, being a member of the nightshade family. From mid-June to mid-October, it produces large 14-20cm trumpet-shaped white flowers facing upward. Flowers open at night emitting strong fragrance but wither by morning. The entire plant contains toxic alkaloids including hyoscyamine and scopolamine, especially concentrated in seeds, making it extremely dangerous. Despite beautiful flowers, ingestion causes severe poisoning symptoms including hallucinations, excitement, and respiratory difficulty, potentially fatal in worst cases.
Trivia
- Despite name containing 'Korean,' not actually from Korean Peninsula
- Not related to morning glories - belongs to nightshade family
- Historical use as anesthetic since ancient times
- Known as one of the world's most dangerous garden plants
Uses
Ornamental
- Night-blooming flowers for moonlight gardens
- Fragrance gardening
- Exotic atmosphere in tropical gardens
Medicinal
- Historical use as anesthetic since ancient times
- Currently prohibited for medical use, research purposes only
Caution:
Extremely dangerous poisonous plant; absolutely prohibited for general use.
Culinary
Absolutely prohibited for consumption - entire plant is highly toxic
Other
- Academic use for toxicity research
- Research subject for plant alkaloids
- Strictly managed for ornamental use only in horticulture
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially seeds
Symptoms:
Toxic alkaloids including hyoscyamine and scopolamine cause hallucinations, excitement, respiratory difficulty, and coma, potentially fatal.