Angraecum
Darwin's Orchid
Christmas Orchid
Comet Orchid
Scientific Name:
Angraecum sesquipedale
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
purity
-
prayer
-
always together with you
Description
Angraecum is an epiphytic orchid from tropical Africa, centered in Madagascar, with about 200 confirmed species. The representative species, Angraecum sesquipedale, is a large variety with stems reaching 1m in height and flowers up to 15cm in diameter. Its most distinctive feature is an extremely long spur reaching up to 35cm, pollinated by the hawkmoth Xanthopan morgani with the world's longest tongue to reach the nectar at the spur's base. The flowers are pure white and star-shaped, releasing a strong fragrance at night. Known as 'Darwin's Orchid' because Darwin predicted the existence of its pollinator based on the flower's long spur.
Trivia
- Darwin predicted its pollinator in 1862 based on the long spur, and the hawkmoth was actually discovered 20 years later
- One of the flowers with the world's longest spur, reaching up to 35cm
- Night-blooming flower that releases strong fragrance at night to attract pollinators
- The name Angraecum comes from Malay meaning 'epiphytic orchid'
Uses
Ornamental
- Greenhouse ornamental cultivation
- Prized for orchid show exhibitions
- Luxury flower arrangement material
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Malagasy medicine
- Folk medicine for analgesic effects
Caution:
Scientific evidence is insufficient; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Used as perfume fragrance
- Important material for botanical research
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Amethyst Sage
Mexican Bush Sage
Velvet Sage
Scientific Name:
Salvia leucantha
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
fiery passion
-
family love
-
domestic
Description
Amethyst Sage is a perennial from the Lamiaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. Named 'Amethyst' after the purple gemstone due to its beautiful purple flower spikes. Its most distinctive feature is the fine hair densely covering the calyx surface, giving it a velvet or felt-like texture. Blooming from August to November, it's a short-day plant that flowers when days become shorter. Growing 60cm to 1.5m tall, it forms 15-30cm spike-like inflorescences at the tip of upright stems. While purple is the common color, white varieties also exist. Known for being hardy with strong resistance to heat, cold, and pests, it's cherished as an important autumn garden flower.
Trivia
- The species name leucantha means 'white flower' but purple flowers are actually more common
- The velvet-like texture of the calyx is its greatest attraction, feeling soft to the touch
- As a short-day plant that flowers when daylight hours shorten, it became a representative autumn flower
- In some regions of Mexico, it's traditionally planted around homes for protection
Uses
Ornamental
- Star of autumn flower beds
- Long-lasting cut flowers
- Can be used as dried flowers
Medicinal
- Used in Mexican folk medicine for digestive promotion
- Traditional use for anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Scientific evidence is limited; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Other
- Used as nectar source in beekeeping
- Aromatherapy for relaxation effects
- Natural insect repellent properties
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Balloon Plant
Swan Plant
Balloon Milkweed
Scientific Name:
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
full of dreams
-
hidden ability
-
joyful life
Description
Balloon Plant is an annual from the Apocynaceae family, native to South Africa and introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. Growing 60cm to 1m tall, it produces small white flowers from June to September. Its most distinctive feature is the balloon-like seed pods that form after flowering, from which the plant gets its name. The pods are 5-8cm long, egg-shaped with soft spines on the surface. In late autumn, the pods split open to release seeds with cotton-like fluff that disperses widely in the wind. This sight inspired the flower language 'full of dreams.' Additionally, while flowers bloom downward, they contain abundant nectar that attracts insects, leading to the flower language 'hidden ability.'
Trivia
- Also called 'Balloon Plant' due to the balloon-like shape of its pods
- Seed fluff was historically used as stuffing for pillows and cushions
- Darwin also observed this plant's seed dispersal in his evolutionary studies
- Popular for dried flowers as pod shape is preserved for long periods
Uses
Ornamental
- Long-lasting dried flower arrangements
- Autumn garden decorative planting
- Accent in flower arrangements
Medicinal
- Used for skin conditions in South African traditional medicine
- Folk medicine for digestive system disorders
Caution:
Entire plant is toxic; medicinal use should be avoided.
Culinary
Not edible due to toxicity
Other
- Historically used as fiber
- Seed fluff used as stuffing material
- Used as nature education material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially sap
Symptoms:
Contains cardenolide toxic compounds that may cause cardiac toxicity if ingested. Sap may cause dermatitis.
Ageratum
Floss Flower
Blue Mink
Scientific Name:
Ageratum houstonianum
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
trust
-
comfort
-
obtaining happiness
Description
Ageratum is an annual from the Asteraceae family, native to Central America and northern South America, introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. Growing 15-60cm tall, it blooms continuously from May to November. The flowers are small (5-7mm diameter) and cluster together in dense heads. Its most distinctive feature is the flower texture, which feels fluffy like silk, earning it the name 'Floss Flower.' While blue-purple is the common color, white and pink varieties also exist. The scientific name Ageratum derives from Greek meaning 'ageless,' referring to the flowers' long-lasting color. As a heat-tolerant and easy-to-grow flower, it's widely used for border plantings and mixed containers.
Trivia
- True to its scientific name meaning 'ageless,' flowers continue blooming without fading for long periods
- The alternative name 'Floss Flower' comes from its silk-like flower texture
- Available in rich variations from dwarf to tall varieties
- Known as butterfly-favorite flower, commonly planted in butterfly gardens
Uses
Ornamental
- Classic border plant for flower beds
- Color balance adjustment in mixed plantings
- Short-term cut flower enjoyment
Medicinal
- Used for skin inflammation in Central American folk medicine
- Traditional medicine for wound treatment
Caution:
Scientific evidence is insufficient; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Culinary
Not suitable for culinary use
Other
- Attracts butterflies and bees as nectar source
- Used as ground cover
- Featured in container gardens
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported
Queen of the Night
Night-blooming Cereus
Dutchman's Pipe Cactus
Scientific Name:
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Family:
Cactaceae
Flower Language
-
ephemeral beauty
-
fleeting love
-
glamorous beauty
-
hidden passion
Description
Queen of the Night is an epiphytic cactus from the Cactaceae family, native to Mexico and Guatemala, with the beautiful Japanese name meaning 'beautiful person under the moon.' Its most distinctive feature is large white flowers reaching 20-25cm in diameter that begin blooming around 8 PM and wilt by the next morning, lasting only one night. The flowers are pure white with strong fragrance, and their fantastical beauty blooming in moonlight has captivated many people. The stems are flattened and leaf-like, performing photosynthesis. Flowering occurs 1-2 times per year, especially on humid nights. In its native habitat, it's pollinated by nocturnal moths and has the unique ecology of closing flowers by morning.
Trivia
- Flowers bloom on nights with high humidity, sensing atmospheric pressure changes
- Takes about 4 hours for a single flower bud to fully open
- Flower lifespan is about 6 hours, wilting when exposed to morning sunlight
- In Taiwan, this flower inspired the phrase meaning 'momentary beauty'
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor ornamental cultivation
- Special greenhouse exhibitions
- Featured in night garden events
Medicinal
- Used in Central American folk medicine
- Traditional use for anti-inflammatory effects
Caution:
Scientific evidence is insufficient; consult professionals before medicinal use.
Other
- Flower fragrance used as perfume ingredient
- Important subject for botanical research
- Used as educational material representing night-blooming plants
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity reported