October 17

Birth Flower

Hardy Begonia
Autumn Begonia Grandis Begonia Begonia Grandis

Scientific Name: Begonia grandis
Family: Begoniaceae

Flower Language

  • unrequited love
  • troubles of love
  • lovely person
  • delicate

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Hardy Begonia is a perennial bulbous plant from the Begoniaceae family, native to southern China and the Malay Peninsula, officially called Begonia grandis. Also known by alternative names like 'mutual love grass,' 'heartbreak flower,' and 'August spring,' it has been cultivated in Japan since ancient times. Its most distinctive feature is the asymmetrical heart-shaped leaves, with one side growing larger than the other, giving rise to the flower language meaning 'unrequited love.' Growing up to 70cm tall, it produces delicate pale pink flowers from summer to early autumn. The flowers are unisexual, with male flowers having 4 petals and female flowers having 5 petals. Unusually for Begonia species, it has cold hardiness and can overwinter outdoors in mainland Japan, adapting well to the Japanese climate. Preferring shade and being sensitive to direct sunlight, it's often cultivated under trees or on the north side of buildings, valued as understory planting in Japanese gardens. It has underground tubers and is herbaceous perennial, with above-ground parts dying back in winter but re-emerging in spring.

Trivia

  • Only cold-hardy species in Begonia genus, can overwinter outdoors in Japan
  • Asymmetrical leaves are evolutionary adaptation for improved photosynthesis efficiency
  • Unique characteristic of unisexual flowers with different petal numbers
  • Cultivated in Japan since Edo period with many garden varieties developed

Uses

Ornamental
  • Understory planting in Japanese gardens
  • Featured plant in shade gardens
  • Indoor potted plant cultivation
Medicinal
  • Roots and stems used medicinally in Chinese traditional medicine
  • Folk medicine applications for anti-inflammatory and detoxification

Caution: Consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Pressed flowers utilizing beautiful leaf shapes
  • Foliage in floral arrangements
  • Important role as shade plant in ecosystems

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially rhizomes

Symptoms: Contains oxalic acid; large quantities may cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation.

Phalaenopsis Orchid
Moth Orchid Butterfly Orchid Phalaenopsis

Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis aphrodite
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • happiness comes flying
  • pure love
  • purity
  • I love you

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Phalaenopsis is a perennial epiphytic plant from the Orchidaceae family, native to tropical regions including Southeast Asia, southern Taiwan, Himalayas, India, and northern Australia. The scientific name Phalaenopsis means 'moth-like' in Greek, while the species name aphrodite derives from the goddess of love and beauty. The Japanese name 'Kochouran' (butterfly orchid) refers to flowers resembling dancing butterflies. In nature, it grows epiphytically on trees, with thick, glossy leaves and long flower stems bearing white flowers about 7cm in diameter. Characterized by broad lateral sepals making the entire flower appear round, it has exceptional flower longevity, maintaining beauty for over 2 months in proper conditions. Extremely popular in Japan as luxury gift flowers, commonly used for celebrations like store openings and appointments. Temperature management is crucial, requiring minimum 15°C, with watering needed only weekly, making it low-maintenance. Through breeding, varieties now exist in colors beyond white, including pink, yellow, and purple.

Trivia

  • Most beloved Western orchid by Japanese, main product in gift flower market
  • One flower stem bears 10-15 blooms, enjoyable for 2-3 months total
  • Taiwan is world's largest producer, with significant exports to Japan
  • Over 50 color patterns now exist through breeding programs

Uses

Ornamental
  • Luxury gift flowers for ceremonial occasions
  • Long-term indoor ornamental enjoyment
  • Featured flowers in wedding bouquets
Medicinal
  • Traditional Southeast Asian use for fever reduction
  • Aromatherapy applications for relaxation

Caution: Consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Minute use as perfume ingredient
  • Luxury cosmetic component applications
  • Flower essence for psychological effects

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Cotton Rose
Confederate Rose Cotton Rose Mallow Hibiscus mutabilis

Scientific Name: Hibiscus mutabilis
Family: Malvaceae

Flower Language

  • delicate beauty
  • graceful lover
  • wealth and honor
  • bewitching beauty

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Cotton Rose is a deciduous shrub from the Malvaceae family, native to central China and also distributed in Taiwan and Japan's Kyushu, Shikoku, and Okinawa. The scientific name mutabilis means 'changeable,' referring to flowers changing color from morning pink to evening crimson. Growing 2-3m tall, it produces large 5-petaled flowers 10-15cm in diameter from August to October. Flowers are ephemeral, opening in morning and wilting by evening, with new flowers opening the next morning. Leaves are palmate with 3-7 shallow lobes, arranged alternately. The name 'Fuyou' originally referred to lotus flowers, but was applied to this plant for its lotus-like beauty. The double-flowered variety called 'Drunken Cotton Rose' is famous for changing colors three times daily - white in morning, pink at noon, and crimson in evening, resembling a face flushing from intoxication. Long featured in literature as metaphor for feminine beauty, its elegant and delicate appearance inspired flower language meanings of 'delicate beauty' and 'graceful lover.'

Trivia

  • Scientific name mutabilis means 'changeable,' referring to color changes
  • Drunken Cotton Rose uniquely changes white→pink→crimson three times daily
  • In China, 'Furong' is used as synonym for beautiful women in poetry
  • Beloved as symbol of beauty in Japan since Manyoshu period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Main autumn attraction as garden trees
  • Park and street tree plantings
  • Artistic bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
  • Flowers and leaves used medicinally in Chinese traditional medicine
  • Folk medicine applications for fever reduction and anti-inflammation

Caution: Consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Fiber plant using stem bark
  • Natural dye extraction from flowers
  • Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Grape
Wine Grape European Grape Vitis

Scientific Name: Vitis vinifera
Family: Vitaceae

Flower Language

  • intoxication
  • oblivion
  • compassion
  • charity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Grape is a deciduous woody climbing vine from the Vitaceae family, believed to originate from the Fergana region of Central Asia, and one of the world's oldest cultivated fruit trees. The scientific name Vitis vinifera's 'vinifera' means 'wine-bearing,' indicating its importance. From mid-May to June, it produces small flowers with unique structure lacking petals in cluster formations. Flowers are covered by cap-like sepals that fall off when mature to reveal the bloom. With 5 stamens and 5 pistils each, it self-pollinates to produce fruit. From September to November, fruits ripen in various colors - purple, green, red - depending on variety. Vines use tendrils to climb supports, growing several meters long. Cultivated since ancient Mesopotamian civilization as wine source, it holds important significance in Christianity and Islam. Flower language meanings 'intoxication' and 'oblivion' relate to wine, while 'compassion' and 'charity' derive from wild grapes being freely available to all. Currently, numerous varieties are cultivated for different purposes: fresh consumption, wine production, and raisins.

Trivia

  • One of world's oldest cultivated plants, used by humans for 8,000 years
  • Unique structure with no petals, blooming when cap-like sepals fall off
  • Japanese 'Budou' derives from Central Asian 'Budau'
  • Over 10,000 varieties currently exist worldwide, differentiated by use

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden shade creation and pergola applications
  • Beautiful autumn foliage ornamental plant
  • Practical garden tree with harvestable fruit
Medicinal
  • Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties
  • Traditional use for cardiovascular health benefits

Caution: Excessive consumption of alcoholic products is harmful to health.

Culinary
  • Fruits
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Economic importance in wine industry
  • Cosmetic oil extraction from seeds
  • Vines used as material for wicker work

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Unripe fruits

Symptoms: Toxic to pets, particularly can cause kidney failure in dogs.