Water Hyacinth
Common Water Hyacinth
Blue Devil
Scientific Name:
Eichhornia crassipes
Family:
Pontederiaceae
Flower Language
-
Pleasure of Love
-
Sorrow of Love
-
Wavering Heart
Description
Water hyacinth is a perennial monocotyledonous plant from the Pontederiaceae family, native to the Amazon basin of South America. Named for its inflated petioles that resemble the belly of Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese folklore. While it produces beautiful light purple flowers, its aggressive reproduction has earned it the nickname 'Blue Devil' and placement among the world's ten worst weeds. It has water purification properties and is used in aquaculture such as goldfish breeding.
Trivia
- In its native Amazon, capybaras love to eat it, which helps control its explosive reproduction.
- While introduction to Japan is said to be 1884, some suggest it appears in earlier ukiyo-e prints.
- Known as the 'Blue Devil' and counted among the world's ten worst weeds.
- NASA has researched it as a water purification plant for space stations.
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental use in ponds and aquariums
- Water purification plant in biotopes
- Spawning bed for goldfish breeding
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, it's believed to have blood purifying properties.
- Indirect health benefits through water purification.
Caution:
Plants grown in polluted waters may concentrate harmful substances.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use.
Other
- Use as livestock feed
- Paper material
- Biomass fuel source
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant (when grown in polluted waters)
Symptoms:
When grown in polluted waters, may concentrate harmful substances.
Begonia Semperflorens
Wax Begonia
Bedding Begonia
Scientific Name:
Begonia semperflorens
Family:
Begoniaceae
Flower Language
-
Unrequited Love
-
Happy Days
-
Declaration of Love
-
Fairness
-
Politeness
Description
Begonia semperflorens is a horticultural variety created by crossing several Brazilian species, belonging to the Begoniaceae family. The scientific name 'semperflorens' means 'always flowering,' and true to its name, it blooms continuously from spring until frost. Flowers come in white, red, and pink, reaching 20-40cm in height. The heart-shaped, asymmetrical leaves are characteristic, which is said to be the origin of the flower language of 'unrequited love.' Widely used as bedding plants and easy for beginners to grow.
Trivia
- Begonia seeds are among the world's smallest, measuring about 1/100th of an inch.
- Named by French botanist Charles Plumier after Michel Begon, former governor of French Haiti.
- In North Korea, the cultivar 'Kimjongilia' is treated as a national flower.
- The genus Begonia contains over 2,000 species, making it one of the largest genera of flowering plants.
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Container gardening
- Accent in mixed plantings
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory issues
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Medicinal use should be done under expert guidance.
Other
- Flower arrangements
- Dried flowers
- Educational plant for horticultural learning
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Contains oxalic acid, may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
Pink Knotweed
Himalayan Knotweed
Polygonum capitatum
Scientific Name:
Persicaria capitata
Family:
Polygonaceae
Flower Language
-
Charming
-
Thoughtful
-
Unexpected Encounter
Description
Pink knotweed is a perennial herb from the Polygonaceae family, native to the Himalayas, with a creeping growth habit that spreads along the ground. It produces small pink spherical flower clusters about 1cm in diameter, similar to buckwheat flowers, blooming continuously from spring to autumn except in midsummer. The oval leaves often have dark markings. Commonly used as ground cover and for slope stabilization. It has very strong reproductive ability and is listed on Japan's Caution List for Alien Species by the Ministry of the Environment.
Trivia
- Listed on the Ecological Risk Prevention Alien Species List created by Japan's Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Agriculture.
- Has a long blooming period, and the flower language of 'unexpected encounter' comes from being able to encounter flowers year-round.
- Introduced to Japan from the Himalayas for rock garden use.
- Has extremely strong reproductive ability, making eradication difficult once established.
Uses
Ornamental
- Ground cover
- Rock gardens
- Slope stabilization
- Container cultivation
Medicinal
- In folk medicine, believed to have antipyretic properties
- Said to have anti-inflammatory effects on skin
Caution:
Scientific evidence is limited, medicinal use without expert guidance is not recommended.
Culinary
Generally not considered suitable for culinary use.
Other
- Soil stabilization
- Slope protection
- Revegetation projects
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity has been reported.
Cosmos
Mexican Aster
Garden Cosmos
Scientific Name:
Cosmos bipinnatus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Maiden's Love
-
Harmony
-
Innocence
-
Grace
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Cosmos is an annual flower from the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, with its scientific name derived from Greek meaning 'order' or 'harmony.' It grows 1-2 meters tall with characteristic finely divided pinnate leaves. Red cosmos has flower languages of 'maiden's love' and 'harmony,' beloved for its beautiful appearance. Known as a short-day plant, it blooms in autumn when daylight hours decrease. Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period, it's now cherished as a representative autumn flower.
Trivia
- Gained popularity in Japan through Momoe Yamaguchi's song featuring 'Akizakura (Cosmos)'.
- Native to high altitudes above 1600m in Mexico.
- Brought to Europe by Spanish botanists in the late 18th century.
- Flower colors are diverse including red, pink, white, orange, and chocolate.
Uses
Ornamental
- Bedding plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower arrangements
- Landscape plants for parks and roadsides
Medicinal
- Used as febrifuge in traditional Mexican medicine
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Scientific evidence for medicinal use is limited.
Other
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
- Green manure crop
- Landscape formation plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported, considered a safe plant.