October 26

Birth Flower

Sweet autumn virginsbower
Autumn clematis Japanese clematis

Scientific Name: Clematis apiifolia
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • Rest

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Clematis apiifolia is a native Japanese climbing perennial that becomes semi-woody at the base. Named for its leaves that resemble peony leaves and its climbing nature, it produces numerous small white cross-shaped flowers 1.5-2.0cm in diameter from August to September. The four petal-like structures are actually sepals, with no true petals present. It has strong vitality and is difficult to kill even when cut.

Trivia

  • Named for its peony-like leaves
  • Famous for strong vitality like the warrior monk Benkei
  • Cross-shaped flowers are actually sepals, not petals
  • Vines can grow 2-4 meters in length

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used in naturalistic gardens as wild species
  • Appreciated as autumn wildflower
  • Used as climbing plant for fences and walls
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used in folk medicine as external remedy

Caution: Requires expert guidance for medicinal use due to toxicity

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Provides habitat for wildlife in ecosystems

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially stem and leaf sap

Symptoms: Contact with skin may cause blisters and dermatitis. Contains toxic compound protoanemonin.

Cooktown orchid
Dendrobium phalaenopsis Moth orchid dendrobium

Scientific Name: Dendrobium phalaenopsis
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • Perfect couple
  • Capable
  • Natural elegance
  • Thoughtfulness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Dendrobium phalaenopsis, commonly known as Cooktown orchid or moth orchid dendrobium, is a group of orchids native to New Guinea and northern Australia. As epiphytic plants, they grow on trees in their natural habitat. They feature thick leaves and beautiful flowers in various colors including red, white, yellow, purple, and pink, with over 40,000 cultivars available. Known for their excellent flower longevity, they are highly popular as cut flowers.

Trivia

  • Named after Cooktown, Australia
  • First hybrid D. Hawaii was created in Hawaii in 1938
  • Over 40,000 cultivars exist
  • Grows epiphytically at 1-2m height on trees

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for luxury arrangements
  • Potted plants for indoor gardening
  • Bridal decorations
  • Chinese cuisine garnish
Medicinal

Caution: Generally not used for medicinal purposes

Culinary
  • Flowers (decorative)
Other
  • Sometimes used as fragrance material
  • Educational material for horticulture

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Showy stonecrop
Ice plant Butterfly stonecrop

Scientific Name: Hylotelephium spectabile
Family: Crassulaceae

Flower Language

  • Calm
  • Quick-witted
  • Serenity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Hylotelephium spectabile is a succulent plant native to northeastern China and Korea, known for storing water in its thick leaves and excellent drought tolerance. Named after the legendary warrior monk Benkei for its incredible resilience - any part can be cut without killing the plant. It produces dense clusters of small pink flowers from September to October, reaching heights of 30-80cm. Used in rooftop gardening and popular as cut flowers.

Trivia

  • Named after the legendary strength of warrior monk Benkei
  • Amazing vitality - any part can be cut without killing the plant
  • Introduced to Japan in mid-Meiji period
  • Known as favorite nectar source for butterflies

Uses

Ornamental
  • Succulent garden sections
  • Rooftop greening
  • Cut flowers
  • Potted plants
  • Rock gardens
Medicinal
  • Wound covering properties of leaves
  • Folk medicine external applications

Caution: Medicinal use should be under expert guidance

Culinary
  • Leaves (containing sugars)
Other
  • Educational plant specimens
  • Environmental greening
  • Nectar source for butterflies

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Ginkgo
Maidenhair tree Fossil tree

Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoaceae

Flower Language

  • Solemnity
  • Longevity
  • Soul repose

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Ginkgo biloba is one of the world's oldest living tree species, existing for approximately 250 million years and known as a 'living fossil'. Native to China, it is now the sole survivor of its lineage with all related species extinct, making it a precious plant of 1 family, 1 genus, 1 species. Famous for its beautiful golden autumn foliage, it's widely planted as street trees and in temples in Japan. The seeds (ginkgo nuts) are edible, and the wood is used for making go and shogi boards.

Trivia

  • Ancient plant that flourished during the Jurassic period when dinosaurs lived
  • Rare gymnosperm that fertilizes with motile sperm like ferns
  • Designated as endangered species by IUCN
  • Official symbol tree of Tokyo

Uses

Ornamental
  • Street trees
  • Park trees
  • Garden trees
  • Temple and shrine trees
Medicinal
  • Ginkgo leaf extract for blood circulation improvement
  • Dementia prevention and improvement
  • Relief of stiff shoulders and poor circulation

Caution: Medical use requires professional medical guidance

Culinary
  • Seeds (ginkgo nuts)
Other
  • Lumber (go boards, shogi boards, cutting boards)
  • Carving material
  • Natural dye

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Excessive consumption of seeds (ginkgo nuts), Outer seed coat

Symptoms: Excessive consumption of ginkgo nuts can cause poisoning symptoms, with reported deaths. Special caution needed for children.

Garden sorrel
Common sorrel Sour dock

Scientific Name: Rumex acetosa
Family: Polygonaceae

Flower Language

  • Affection
  • Warm affection
  • Patience

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Rumex acetosa is a perennial herb native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, commonly found in sunny fields throughout Japan. The leaves contain oxalic acid, giving them a characteristic sour taste when chewed, earning it the affectionate nickname 'sukanpo' in Japan. Distinguished by arrow-shaped leaves at the base, it grows 60cm to 1m tall. In Europe, it's cultivated as 'Garden Sorrel' and used as a vegetable and herb in cooking.

Trivia

  • Beloved by children under the nickname 'sukanpo'
  • Named 'sour leaf' for its acidic taste when chewed
  • Cultivated as important herb in Europe
  • Arrow-shaped leaves are distinctive identification feature

Uses

Ornamental
  • Natural landscaping in wild gardens
  • Educational plant specimens
Medicinal
  • Root used as 'sanmo' for constipation treatment
  • Treatment of parasitic skin diseases

Caution: Medicinal use should be under expert guidance

Culinary
  • Young leaves
  • Stems
Other
  • Natural souring agent
  • Food source for wildlife

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves (containing oxalic acid)

Symptoms: Contains oxalic acid, so avoid large quantities. Similar precautions as spinach are needed.