October 24

Birth Flower

Pavonia
Brazilian Candle Rock Rose

Scientific Name: Pavonia × gledhillii
Family: Malvaceae

Flower Language

  • relief
  • prudence

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Pavonia is an evergreen small shrub from the Malvaceae family native to tropical America, created as a garden cultivar in Britain in 1989. Most characteristic are the bright red bracts (epicalyx) that encase the flower petals, resembling small inverted Chinese lanterns. The actual petals are dark purple and small, while the conspicuous red parts are bracts. Growing 1-2m tall, it blooms year-round in warm regions. Excellent heat tolerance, preferring sunny locations but tolerating partial shade. Small fruits form after flowering, which also have ornamental value. This rare plant can be enjoyed in Japan through greenhouse cultivation.

Trivia

  • Unusual structure where bracts, not petals, provide beauty
  • South American horticultural variety improved in Britain
  • Called 'Brazilian Candle' for its Chinese lantern-like appearance
  • Relatively new flower introduced to Japan as greenhouse plant

Uses

Ornamental
  • Greenhouse container cultivation
  • Display plants in conservatories
  • Part of tropical plant collections
Medicinal
  • Brazilian folk medicine for sedative effects
  • Traditional medicine for nervous tension relief

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

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Tropical plant specimens for botanical education
  • Healing plants in horticultural therapy
  • Subject for biomimetics research

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported

Protea
King Protea Sugarbush

Scientific Name: Protea cynaroides
Family: Proteaceae

Flower Language

  • magnificent expectation
  • royal dignity
  • transformation

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Protea is an evergreen shrub from the Proteaceae family native to South Africa, beloved as the country's national flower. The most famous King Protea (Protea cynaroides) has enormous flower heads 20-30cm in diameter, earning the name 'King of Flowers' for its imposing appearance. What appears to be the flower is actually colored bracts, with the true flowers being the small central parts. Colors include pink, red, orange, yellow, and white in great variety, and their exceptional longevity makes them popular as cut flowers. Named after Proteus, the sea god of Greek mythology, for their ability to transform into diverse forms. Preferring dry environments, they captivate flower enthusiasts worldwide with their unique beauty.

Trivia

  • Featured on South Africa's 1 cent coin design
  • Named after Proteus, the shapeshifting god of Greek mythology
  • Famous as one of the world's longest-lasting cut flowers
  • Ecologically important as representative of Fynbos vegetation

Uses

Ornamental
  • Premium cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
  • Long-lasting dried flower displays
  • Impressive garden plantings
Medicinal
  • South African folk medicine for cough suppression
  • Traditional medicine for skin disorders

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

Culinary

Not suitable for culinary use

Other
  • Symbol for South African tourism
  • Important subject for ecological research
  • Material for horticultural variety development

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity reported