Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum
Delta Maidenhair Fern
Scientific Name:
Adiantum raddianum
Family:
Pteridaceae
Flower Language
-
innocent charm
-
delicate
-
innocence
-
purity
Description
Adiantum is a genus of about 200 species of ferns in the family Pteridaceae, naturally distributed in temperate to tropical regions worldwide. The scientific name 'Adiantum' derives from the Greek 'adiantos' meaning 'unwetted,' referring to the water-repelling property of its small leaves. Commonly cultivated varieties are mainly horticultural forms of Adiantum raddianum, creating beautiful fluffy appearances with densely clustered thin, delicate leaflets. As a fern, it doesn't produce flowers or fruits and reproduces through spores. It prefers high humidity and dislikes direct sunlight, making it suitable for indoor cultivation.
Trivia
- Leaf surface has fine hairs that secret to water repelling
- Reproduces through sori (sporangia clusters) on leaf undersides
- Prefers humidity above 50%, can be grown in bathrooms
- Different varieties have varied leaf shapes, making them highly collectible
Uses
Ornamental
- Houseplant (potted)
- Terrarium
- Bathroom decoration
- Shade garden
Medicinal
- Used as folk medicine for cough in some regions
- Leaf decoction sometimes used for bronchitis
Caution:
Limited scientific evidence; avoid use without expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Air purification
- Humidity regulation
- Interior green decoration
Japanese Snake Gourd
Crow Melon
Red Gourd
Scientific Name:
Trichosanthes cucumeroides
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Flower Language
-
good news
-
sincerity
-
dislike of men
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Japanese Snake Gourd is a perennial vine native to Japan, China, and Korea, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. From July to September, it produces 7-10cm white flowers that bloom from evening to night during summer to early autumn. The flower petals are fringed with thread-like divisions, creating a beautiful lace-like appearance. It's dioecious, with individual plants bearing either male or female flowers. In autumn, it produces beautiful 5-7cm oval scarlet fruits. It has underground tubers for overwintering. The vine grows by twining around other plants with tendrils and is commonly found wild in fields and mountains.
Trivia
- Flowers are pollinated by nocturnal hawkmoths
- Only female plants produce scarlet fruits; male plants don't bear fruit
- Seeds shaped like purses are considered lucky charms for wealth
- Vine tips burrow into ground to form new tubers
Uses
Ornamental
- Autumn decoration (fruits)
- Wild gardens
- Flower arrangement material
- Dried flowers
Medicinal
- Roots used as diuretic medicine
- Fruit juice applied externally for chaps, chilblains
- Used as folk medicine for jaundice treatment
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge; consult physician
Culinary
Fruits not suitable for consumption (very bitter)
Other
- Seeds kept as good luck charms
- Vines used as craft materials
- Nectar source for insects
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Fruits, Seeds
Symptoms:
Fruit consumption may cause gastrointestinal distress
Camellia
Japanese Camellia
Common Camellia
Scientific Name:
Camellia japonica
Family:
Theaceae
Flower Language
-
perfect beauty
-
flawless charm
-
supreme loveliness
-
ideal love
-
modesty
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Camellia is an evergreen tree from the Theaceae family native to Japan, representing one of Japan's most iconic flowering trees. It blooms from December to April, with white camellias particularly prized for the beautiful contrast between pure white petals and yellow stamens, making them valuable as tea ceremony flowers. Leaves are thick and glossy with fine serrated edges. Characteristic feature is that entire flowers fall off after full bloom. In Japan, it has been documented since ancient times in 'Nihon Shoki' and 'Man'yoshu', continuing to be deeply loved by Japanese people. Active breeding has produced beautiful white varieties like Kamo Hon'ami, Shiratama, and Shirajishi.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'Camellia japonica' means 'Japanese camellia'
- Camellia oil has been prized as luxury cosmetic since Edo period
- Over 2000 varieties exist, beloved worldwide
- Regional famous varieties like 'Kaga no San-tsubaki' exist
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Flower arrangements
- Bonsai
- Hedges
Medicinal
- Flowers used in folk medicine for hemostasis
- Leaves believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
- Bark used as astringent
Caution:
Limited scientific evidence; avoid use without expert knowledge
Culinary
Generally not suitable for consumption
Other
- Camellia oil source (seeds)
- Timber (construction, crafts)
- Cosmetic ingredients
- Soap ingredients
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Flowers, Leaves
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal distress