Lady's Slipper Orchid
Paphiopedilum
Venus Slipper
Scientific Name:
Paphiopedilum spp.
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
Thoughtful
-
Changeable love
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Sensual
-
Elegant attire
Description
Paphiopedilum is an orchid with a distinctive appearance, featuring a pouch-shaped petal that gives it the common names 'Venus Slipper' or 'Lady's Slipper.' It is one of the world's four major ornamental orchids, alongside Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium. The pouch-shaped petal is an ingenious mechanism to attract insects, creating a sophisticated pollination system where insects carry pollen. It is relatively cold-tolerant, surviving temperatures as low as 5°C, and can be grown indoors in bright locations away from direct sunlight.
Trivia
- One of the world's four major ornamental orchids alongside Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium
- The Mito Tokugawa family collection pioneered cultivation in Japan
- The pouch-shaped petals have an ingenious one-way insect guidance system
- Features long-lasting blooms that can be enjoyed for several months per plant
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor pot cultivation
- Greenhouse cultivation and display
- Cut flower arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
No confirmed medicinal uses
Other
- Collector's item for orchid enthusiasts
- Exhibition displays at orchid shows
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxicity
Lechenaultia
Blue Lechenaultia
Swan River Pea
Scientific Name:
Lechenaultia biloba
Family:
Goodeniaceae
Flower Language
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Tender first love
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Secret
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Keeping promises
Description
Lechenaultia is an evergreen shrub from the Goodeniaceae family native to Australia, producing delicate flowers that resemble flying butterflies. The name 'Hatsukoisou' (First Love Grass) is a commercial name given by retailers, while the scientific name is Lechenaultia. It features abundant flowering that covers the entire plant, with beautiful grayish fine foliage. It blooms for an extended period from autumn to spring. It prefers dry climates and flower petals are easily damaged by rain, so it's best grown in sheltered locations like under eaves. While somewhat sensitive to cold and weakened by frost, it can overwinter outdoors in warm regions south of the Kanto area.
Trivia
- The name 'First Love Grass' is a commercial name, different from the scientific name
- Long flowering period from autumn to spring provides valuable color in cold seasons
- Adapted to Australia's dry environment and dislikes excessive moisture
- Beloved garden plant due to its butterfly-like flower appearance
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Mixed plantings
- Garden planting
Medicinal
Caution:
No confirmed medicinal uses
Other
- Cut flowers
- Garden color accent
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant
Symptoms:
Mild gastrointestinal upset possible with large ingestion, but no issues with normal garden use
Chrysanthemum
Mum
Yellow Chrysanthemum
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
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Longevity and happiness
-
Slight love
-
Nobility
-
Nobility
Characteristics
Colors:
Yellow
Description
Chrysanthemum is one of Japan's national flowers with a long history, introduced from China during the Heian period. Yellow chrysanthemums are particularly cherished as representative autumn flowers. The scientific name Chrysanthemum derives from the Greek words 'chrysos (gold)' and 'anthos (flower),' meaning golden flower. They bloom from mid-October to early December, playing an important role in coloring Japan's autumn. Through breeding improvements, diverse forms and colors have emerged, ranging from large to small blooms. Used in the Imperial family crest, it is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Trivia
- As one of Japan's national flowers, the 16-petal chrysanthemum crest is used by the Imperial family
- The Double Ninth Festival (September 9) is also called the Chrysanthemum Festival
- Edible chrysanthemums are selected for low bitterness and mainly cultivated in northeastern Japan
- One of the flowers with the most varieties in the world, with about 3,000 types
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Potted plants
- Garden planting
- Chrysanthemum doll displays
Medicinal
- Fever reduction
- Eye strain relief
- Blood pressure lowering
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under professional guidance
Other
- Fragrance
- Natural insect repellent
- Natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Stems, Leaves (except edible varieties)
Symptoms:
May cause dermatitis or allergic reactions, but edible varieties are safe
Bryony
White Bryony
Wild Vine
Scientific Name:
Bryonia alba
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Flower Language
-
Rejection
-
Giving up
-
Self-control
Description
Bryonia is a perennial climbing plant from the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It produces small pale green flowers about 1cm in size from September to November, with a greenish-white color. The fruit is a berry about 1.5cm that turns black when ripe. It has a fleshy rhizome and has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times, but contains toxic compounds requiring careful handling. The leaf-like appearance of its flowers is distinctive, creating quiet beauty in the autumn season.
Trivia
- Used as medicinal herb since ancient times, but dangerous for amateur use due to toxicity
- Important therapeutic agent in homeopathy as 'Bryonia alba'
- Despite being a climbing plant, its flowers are modest and inconspicuous
- Fruit is toxic to birds but has seed dispersal mechanisms
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden shade creation
- Fence decoration
Medicinal
- Joint pain relief
- Digestive system improvement
- External treatment for skin conditions
Caution:
Contains toxic compounds, must be used under professional guidance
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Homeopathic medicine
- Research purposes
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Rhizome, Fruit, Whole plant
Symptoms:
May cause vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and in severe cases, respiratory difficulties