October 08

Birth Flower

Torch Lily
Red Hot Poker Tritoma

Scientific Name: Kniphofia uvaria
Family: Asphodelaceae

Flower Language

  • pain of love
  • earnest feelings
  • anguish of love
  • my heart aches when I think of you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Torch Lily is a perennial from the Asphodelaceae family, native to the Cape region of South Africa. The scientific name Kniphofia honors German botanist Kniphof. It produces 80-120cm tall flower stems topped with 15-20cm long flower spikes, where small tubular flowers bloom downward in dense clusters, creating a torch-like appearance. Flowers are typically orange, deep orange in bud stage, changing to yellow when fully open. Blooming continuously from June to October, it provides a striking presence in summer gardens. The English name Red Hot Poker refers to its resemblance to a heated fire poker, inspired by its torch-like flower shape.

Trivia

  • Named for resemblance to red tassels on samurai helmets
  • Each flower spike contains about 100 small flowers
  • Mysteriously changes from orange buds to yellow open flowers
  • Known as 'Red Hot Poker' in Britain as a summer garden staple

Uses

Ornamental
  • Background planting in summer flower beds
  • Long-lasting cut flowers
  • Suitable for dried flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Used for fever reduction in South African traditional medicine
  • Folk medicine for anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Nectar source for beekeeping
  • Accent plant in landscape design
  • Soil conservation on slopes

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Gaura
White Butterfly Bush Beeblossom

Scientific Name: Gaura lindheimeri
Family: Onagraceae

Flower Language

  • won't hurt a delicate heart
  • competitive spirit
  • purity
  • mystery

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Gaura is a perennial from the Onagraceae family, native to North America, with the Japanese name meaning 'white butterfly plant.' The genus name Gaura derives from Greek 'gauros' meaning 'splendid' or 'stately.' It continuously blooms butterfly-like flowers with four petals from May to November. The slender stems grow up to 1.5m tall, creating an elegant appearance swaying in the wind. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting about three days, but the plant blooms continuously without interruption, providing long-lasting enjoyment. It's extremely hardy, tolerating both heat and cold, and thrives with minimal care.

Trivia

  • Species name 'lindheimeri' honors botanist Lindheimer
  • Individual flowers last only 3 days, but plants bloom for over 6 months
  • Sometimes described as 'butterfly ballet' for its swaying motion
  • Designated as state flower in some American states

Uses

Ornamental
  • Representative plant of natural gardens
  • Cut flowers for light, airy arrangements
  • Mid to background planting in border gardens
Medicinal
  • Used for digestive issues in Native American traditional medicine
  • Folk medicine for sedative effects

Caution: Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Nectar source for beekeeping
  • Attracts butterflies and bees in ecological gardens
  • Effective for soil erosion prevention

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Gerbera
Barberton Daisy Transvaal Daisy

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • adventurous spirit
  • perseverance
  • hope
  • advancement

Characteristics

Colors: orange

Description

Gerbera is a perennial from the Asteraceae family native to South Africa. The genus name Gerbera honors 18th-century German naturalist Gerber. Flowers are large, 8-12cm in diameter, with vibrant orange petals radiating outward. The yellow center creates beautiful contrast, giving a bright, cheerful impression. One of the world's most popular cut flowers, known for good keeping quality and straight, easy-to-handle stems. While the original species was red, breeding has produced varieties in many colors. Greenhouse cultivation enables year-round availability, used in celebrations, get-well wishes, and various occasions.

Trivia

  • Known as the 5th most traded cut flower globally
  • Over 5000 varieties exist due to Dutch breeding programs
  • Flowers naturally turn toward the sun (heliotropism)
  • Shizuoka Prefecture leads Japan in production volume

Uses

Ornamental
  • Main flower in bouquets and arrangements
  • Potted plants for indoor decoration
  • Colorful garden plants
Medicinal
  • Used for wound treatment in South African traditional medicine
  • Folk medicine for anti-inflammatory effects

Caution: Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Natural dye source for orange pigments
  • Long-lasting dried flowers
  • Material for pressed flower crafts

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Parsley
Garden Parsley Common Parsley

Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Language

  • festivity
  • victory
  • useful knowledge
  • omen of death

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Parsley is a biennial herb from the Apiaceae family native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated since ancient Greek and Roman times. The scientific name Petroselinum derives from Greek 'petros (rock)' and 'selinon (celery),' meaning rock celery. There are curled-leaf (curly parsley) and flat-leaf (Italian parsley) varieties, with deep green leaves having a distinctive aroma. In summer, it produces small yellow-green flowers in compound umbels, though leaves are typically harvested before flowering. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and other nutrients, it's an important herb used in cuisines worldwide.

Trivia

  • Ancient Olympic victors were crowned with parsley wreaths
  • Word 'parsley' derives from Greek meaning 'rock celery'
  • Contains about 3 times more vitamin C than lemons
  • Valued as demon-repelling herb in medieval Europe

Uses

Ornamental
  • Greenery in herb gardens
  • Colorful garnish for dishes
  • Accent plant in mixed plantings
Medicinal
  • Folk medicine for diuretic effects
  • Traditional use for digestive aid
  • Chewing fresh leaves for breath freshening

Caution: Avoid large quantities during pregnancy due to apiol content; moderation is advised.

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Stems
  • Roots
Other
  • Natural breath freshener
  • Vitamin supplement ingredient
  • Antioxidant component in cosmetics

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Essential oil

Symptoms: Large quantities may stress kidneys and liver. Seeds require particular caution.