Sweet Osmanthus
Fragrant Olive
Tea Olive
Golden Osmanthus
Scientific Name:
Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus
Family:
Oleaceae
Flower Language
-
modesty
-
truth
-
noble person
-
intoxication
-
first love
Characteristics
Colors:
orange-yellow
Description
Sweet osmanthus is a small evergreen tree native to China, beloved in Japan as a representative fragrant plant of autumn. From September to October, it produces numerous small orange-yellow flowers that emit a sweet, rich fragrance. It is counted as one of Japan's three great fragrant trees along with Daphne and Gardenia, and is widely planted as ornamental and street trees. The flowers are dioecious, but only male plants were introduced to Japan, so they do not bear fruit.
Trivia
- The fragrance component ionone is the same as in violets
- Introduced to Japan as a medicinal plant during the Edo period
- Trees over 100 years old are not uncommon
- Fragrance intensity changes with weather, strongest after rain
Uses
Ornamental
- Planted as garden trees
- Used as street trees
- Utilized as hedges
Medicinal
- Dried flowers used as herbal medicine for gastritis
- Treatment for low blood pressure
- Relief for insomnia
Caution:
Use in appropriate amounts and discontinue if adverse reactions occur
Other
- Used as fragrance in cosmetics and soap
- Aromatherapy for relaxation effects
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Melampodium
Butter Daisy
Black-foot Daisy
Million Gold
Scientific Name:
Melampodium divaricatum
Family:
Asteraceae
Characteristics
Colors:
yellow
Description
Melampodium is an annual native to Mexico and Central America, introduced to Japan around 1990. It is resistant to high heat and humidity, and continuously blooms bright yellow small flowers on bushy plants. With its self-cleaning function, new buds grow after flowers finish blooming, maintaining a beautiful appearance without special care. It is hardy, easy to grow, and popular as a staple plant for summer flower beds.
Trivia
- Name derives from Greek meaning 'black foot'
- Introduced to Japan relatively recently around 1990
- Easy maintenance due to self-cleaning function
- A single plant can produce hundreds of flowers
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Potted plants
- Planter cultivation
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- No particular medicinal use
Caution:
Medicinal use is not recommended
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Attracts butterflies and bees as nectar source
- Can be used as cut flowers for short periods
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, stems
Symptoms:
Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal distress
Purple Loosestrife
Japanese Loosestrife
Lythrum
Scientific Name:
Lythrum anceps
Family:
Lythraceae
Flower Language
-
mercy
-
sorrow of love
-
pure affection
Characteristics
Colors:
reddish purple
Description
Purple loosestrife is a perennial distributed from Japan to the Korean Peninsula, growing wild in wetlands and rice field edges. From July to September, it produces numerous small reddish-purple 6-petaled flowers in spikes at the top of stems. Also called 'Bon flower' or 'spirit flower,' it has long been cherished as a flower offered at Buddhist altars during the Bon festival. Named after its use in purification rituals (misogi), it is considered a sacred plant with purifying meaning.
Trivia
- Published as a separate species by Dr. Tomitaro Makino in 1898
- Characterized by square-shaped stem cross-section
- Used in purification rituals involving water sprinkling to ward off evil
- Contains tannins and was historically used as dye
Uses
Ornamental
- Bon festival offerings
- Waterside planting
- Wetland gardens
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Dried whole plant used as herbal medicine for intestinal regulation
- Treatment for eczema and rashes
- Hemostatic effects
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under guidance of knowledgeable practitioners
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Water sprinkling for purification in cleansing rituals
- Used as dye for purple coloring
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported
Cranberry
Common Cranberry
Northern Cranberry
Bog Cranberry
Scientific Name:
Vaccinium oxycoccos
Family:
Ericaceae
Flower Language
-
comfort of heart
-
soothing heartache
-
innocent and cheerful
Characteristics
Colors:
white to pale pink
Description
Cranberry is an evergreen small shrub distributed in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, growing wild in wetlands and swamps. It blooms with small white to pale pink flowers around July, characterized by 4 petals that curve backwards. From September to October, it produces red spherical fruits about 1cm in diameter, which are used as cranberries for food. In North America, Native Americans have historically used them for food and medicine.
Trivia
- Native Americans taught immigrants how to use cranberries
- English name 'Crane-berry' comes from flower shape resembling crane's head
- Rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins
- Commercial cultivation uses water flooding method for harvest
Uses
Ornamental
- Planting in wetland gardens
- Rock gardens
- Used as bonsai
Medicinal
- Prevention of urinary tract infections
- Anti-aging through antioxidant effects
- Maintaining gastrointestinal health
Caution:
Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal distress
Other
- Natural dye for red coloring
- Used as ingredient in cosmetics
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity reported