Balloon Cotton Bush
Swan Plant
Balloon Plant
Milkweed
Scientific Name:
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Flower Language
-
prosperity
-
hidden ability
-
full of dreams
-
joyful life
Description
Balloon Cotton Bush is an evergreen shrub from the Apocynaceae family native to southern Africa, introduced to Japan during the Showa era for ornamental purposes. It produces small white flowers from June to September, followed by characteristic balloon-shaped seed pods. The pods are 5-8cm oval-shaped and split open when ripe to reveal seeds with white silky hairs. Named for its balloon-like pods, it's popular for flower arrangements and dried flowers. Growing 1-2m tall, it has opposite, narrow elliptical leaves.
Trivia
- Pods can contain over 100 seeds
- Seed floss can travel several kilometers by wind
- Seed floss was once used as stuffing for pillows and bedding
- Can maintain shape for over a year when dried
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower arrangements (seed pods)
- Dried flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Traditionally used for skin conditions in South Africa
- Sometimes used in folk medicine
Caution:
Avoid internal use due to toxicity; do not use without expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Sometimes used for fiber
- Seed floss used as stuffing material
- Popular as craft material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially stem latex
Symptoms:
May cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms
Spray Chrysanthemum
Spray Mum
Decorative Chrysanthemum
Pompon Mum
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
mutual understanding
-
pure love
-
nobility
-
I love you
Description
Spray Mum is a type of Western chrysanthemum developed through breeding in Europe and America, characterized by 'spray blooming' where multiple branches from a single stem produce numerous small flowers. Flowers are 3-5cm in diameter with rich colors including red, purple, yellow, pink, and white. Main blooming period is September to November, forming flower buds after the autumn equinox as a short-day plant. Popular as potted plants for their bright, cheerful appearance and valued as cut flowers for their good keeping quality. The scientific name 'Chrysanthemum' means 'golden flower.'
Trivia
- Japanese Imperial crest 'Jūroku-yae Omote Kiku' is based on chrysanthemum motif
- September 9th Chrysanthemum Festival is also called 'Chrysanthemum Day'
- Single plant can produce over 100 flowers
- As short-day plant, flowering time can be controlled by artificial light manipulation
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers (bouquets, arrangements)
- Potted plants
- Garden bedding
- Grave visiting flowers
Medicinal
- Flowers used in folk medicine for eye strain
- Consumed as chrysanthemum tea
Caution:
Caution needed for those with allergies
Other
- Used as natural dye
- Fragrance material
- Insect repellent properties
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stems, Leaves
Symptoms:
Skin contact may cause mild dermatitis
Akebia
Chocolate Vine
Five-leaf Akebia
Scientific Name:
Akebia quinata
Family:
Lardizabalaceae
Description
Akebia is a deciduous climbing shrub from the Lardizabalaceae family native to Japan, China, and Korea. It produces pale purple flowers from March to April, with male and female flowers on the same plant but blooming separately. In autumn, it bears 5-10cm oval fruits that split longitudinally when ripe, revealing white flesh and black seeds. The sweet fruit is edible, and the skin is used in stir-fries. The stem is a medicinal herb called 'mokutsu' with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. The vines are also used as craft materials, making it a versatile plant.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'quinata' means 'five' referring to five leaflets
- Fruit flesh is 95% water and low in calories
- Vines can reach over 10 meters in length
- Flowers have a subtle vanilla-like fragrance
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden climbing plant
- Fence and trellis decoration
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Stems used as diuretic medicine
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Galactagogue effects
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge
Culinary
- Fruit flesh
- Fruit skin
- Young shoots
Other
- Vines used for basket weaving and crafts
- Stems used as building material
- Also used as natural dye
Quince
Common Quince
Golden Apple
Scientific Name:
Cydonia oblonga
Family:
Rosaceae
Description
Quince is a deciduous small tree from Central Asia belonging to the monotypic genus Cydonia in the Rosaceae family. It produces beautiful white and pink flowers reminiscent of peach blossoms from April to May. In autumn, it bears 5-10cm pear-shaped yellow fruits with fine downy surface. The fruits have strong fragrance but are not suitable for fresh eating, instead processed into jams, jellies, and honey preserves. The scientific name 'oblonga' means 'oblong,' referring to fruit shape. Symbol of love and beauty since ancient times, it appears in Greek mythology.
Trivia
- Scientific name Cydonia derives from ancient city Cydonia (now Crete)
- Very high pectin content makes jams set easily
- Ancient fruit tree cultivated since Roman times
- Fruit fragrance can be used as room deodorizer
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental garden tree
- Flower viewing
- Fruit display
- Fragrance enjoyment
Medicinal
- Fruits used as folk medicine for stomach ailments
- Seeds used for cough suppression
- Rich in pectin with intestinal regulating effects
Caution:
Caution for cyanogenic glycosides in seeds
Other
- Used for fragrance
- Source of pectin
- Cosmetic ingredient
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Seeds
Symptoms:
Large amounts of seeds may cause mild poisoning symptoms