October 23

Birth Flower

Dahlia
Garden Dahlia Common Dahlia

Scientific Name: Dahlia pinnata
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • elegance
  • magnificence
  • dignity
  • grace

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Dahlia is a perennial from the Asteraceae family native to the highlands of Mexico to Guatemala, now Mexico's national flower. It was cultivated as a sacred flower in the 15th-century Aztec Empire. The scientific name honors Anders Dahl, an 18th-century Swedish botanist. Introduced to Europe in the late 18th century, it became famous through Napoleon's empress Josephine's cultivation at Malmaison Palace. Brought to Japan by Dutch ships in the late Edo period, serious cultivation began in the mid-Meiji era. Flowers range from 3cm to over 30cm in diameter, with varieties from single to multi-petaled forms in colors including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple.

Trivia

  • One of the world's most diverse flowers with tens of thousands of varieties
  • Josephine tried to monopolize dahlia but secrets leaked through gardener's betrayal
  • Called 'Acocoxochitl' (water pipe) in Aztec Empire due to hollow stems
  • Japanese dahlia gardens create new varieties annually, earning worldwide recognition

Uses

Ornamental
  • Luxurious bouquets and arrangements as cut flowers
  • Autumn star plants in gardens
  • Exhibition and contest displays
Medicinal
  • Used for diabetes treatment in Aztec times
  • Mexican folk remedy for skin conditions

Caution: Modern medical evidence is insufficient; consult professionals before medicinal use.

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Buds
Other
  • Ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics
  • Natural dye source
  • Nectar source attracting butterflies and bees

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Plumbago
Cape Leadwort Blue Plumbago Cape Plumbago

Scientific Name: Plumbago auriculata
Family: Plumbaginaceae

Flower Language

  • heartfelt sympathy
  • always cheerful
  • secret passion

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Plumbago auriculata is a semi-climbing shrub from the Plumbaginaceae family native to South Africa. The Japanese name derives from its jasmine-like flowers in lapis lazuli blue color. The scientific name Plumbago means 'lead-colored', named for its historical use in treating lead poisoning. It produces small 5-petaled flowers about 2cm in diameter in corymb inflorescences over the long period from May to November. While light blue-purple is the basic color, white and pink varieties also exist. It can overwinter outdoors in warm regions and is grown in containers in cold areas. Branches grow 1-3m long and climb with support.

Trivia

  • Strategy of producing sticky substance after flowering to attach seeds to animals for dispersal
  • English name 'Leadwort' derives from ancient use as lead poisoning remedy
  • Naturalized around Cape Town creating beautiful landscapes
  • Can naturalize in warm regions like Okinawa in Japan

Uses

Ornamental
  • Summer to autumn color in gardens
  • Container gardening on balconies
  • Hedge and wall greening
Medicinal
  • Used for skin conditions in South African folk medicine
  • Used for lead poisoning treatment in ancient Europe

Caution: Modern medical evidence is insufficient and may cause skin irritation; avoid medicinal use.

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Natural blue dye source
  • Nectar source attracting butterflies
  • Summer flower material for ikebana

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially roots

Symptoms: May cause skin inflammation upon contact. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.