Daisy Fleabane
Annual Fleabane
Eastern Daisy Fleabane
Sweet Scabious
Scientific Name:
Erigeron annuus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
simple and pure
-
innocence
Description
Daisy Fleabane is an annual herb from the Erigeron genus native to North America, introduced to Japan around 1865 as an ornamental plant. It produces white flowers about 2cm in diameter from June to October, with small white petals arranged in three layers around yellow tubular florets in the center. The stem is solid with white spongy tissue inside, reaching 30-150cm in height. Now widespread throughout the country as a naturalized plant, it's known as an invasive alien species due to its strong reproductive capacity. The Japanese name 'Himejoon' is written as '姫女苑' derived from ancient words meaning beautiful woman.
Trivia
- Often confused with Erigeron philadelphicus but has solid stems
- Listed in Japan's worst 100 invasive alien species
- Long blooming period from early summer to autumn
- Single plant can produce thousands of seeds
Uses
Ornamental
- Wildflower appreciation
- Natural garden planting
- Cut flowers (as wildflowers)
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine in North America
- Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties
Caution:
Medical effects not proven; do not use without expert knowledge
Other
- Subject of ecological research
- Educational material for invasive species issues
Japanese Rowan
Mountain Ash
Japanese Mountain Ash
Scientific Name:
Sorbus commixta
Family:
Rosaceae
Flower Language
-
caution
-
wisdom
-
I watch over you
Description
Japanese Rowan is a deciduous tree from the Sorbus genus native to Japan, Korean Peninsula, and Sakhalin in East Asia. It produces white flowers in clusters from June to July, followed by bright red berries in September. Growing up to 15m tall, it displays beautiful autumn foliage. The name derives from the wood being difficult to burn, said to 'not burn even after seven times in the furnace.' The berries contain sorbic acid, preventing decay and remaining on branches long after frost. Widely planted as street and park trees, it's beloved as a representative tree of Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.
Trivia
- Designated as the prefectural tree of Hokkaido
- Berries contain sorbic acid with natural preservative effects
- Birds eat berries after frost breaks down toxins
- Wood hard to burn when fresh but makes excellent fuel when dry
Uses
Ornamental
- Street trees
- Park trees
- Garden trees
- Bonsai
Medicinal
- Berries used in folk medicine for stomach ailments
- Bark used as astringent
Caution:
Berries not suitable for fresh consumption; avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge
Other
- Wood used for crafts and woodworking
- Charcoal of high quality with strong heat
- Used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Raw berries, Seeds
Symptoms:
Large amounts of raw berries may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms
Eucalyptus
Gum Tree
Blue Gum
Scientific Name:
Eucalyptus globulus
Family:
Myrtaceae
Flower Language
-
rebirth
-
regeneration
-
memories
-
comfort
Description
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree from the Myrtaceae family native to Australia, with nearly 900 species existing. Large specimens can reach 70-100m tall, known for their characteristically fragrant leaves. Famous as koala food, though koalas eat only limited species. Leaves contain terpene essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Shows unique adaptation to wildfires, regenerating from roots after fires. The scientific name 'Eucalyptus' derives from Greek meaning 'well-covered,' referring to the cap-like structure covering buds.
Trivia
- Koalas eat only 30-50 species out of 900+ varieties
- Comprises about 80% of Australian forests
- Releases fire-promoting terpenes but regenerates after wildfires
- Among world's tallest trees with Tasmanian specimens over 100m
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden trees
- Cut foliage (flower arrangements)
- Street trees
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Relief for coughs and nasal congestion
- Used in topical medications
Caution:
Avoid internal use due to cyanogenic glycosides; never apply undiluted
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (toxic)
Other
- Aromatherapy essential oils
- Insect repellent properties
- Paper pulp material
- Construction timber
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Essential oils
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause respiratory problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin irritation
Shrimp Plant
Beloperone
Mexican Shrimp Plant
False Hop
Scientific Name:
Justicia brandegeeana
Family:
Acanthaceae
Description
Shrimp Plant is a semi-evergreen shrub from the Justicia genus native to Mexico and Central America. Blooming from May to October, it's characterized by shrimp tail-like bracts. What appears to be the flower is actually bracts that overlap like scales and curve, while the true flowers emerge as narrow white petals from between the bracts. Growing 50-100cm tall and 50-80cm wide, it can bloom year-round if kept above 15°C. Flower colors include red, yellow, and white. Previously classified in Beloperone genus, now integrated into Justicia genus.
Trivia
- Former genus name Beloperone derives from Belos' arrow and Perone's belt in Greek mythology
- Can bloom year-round if kept above 15°C
- Called Shrimp Plant in English, also referring to shrimp
- Hardy plant with little concern for pests and diseases
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Garden planting
- Cut flowers
- Houseplants
Medicinal
- Sometimes used traditionally as medicinal herb in Mexico
Caution:
Medicinal effects not scientifically proven; do not use without expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Horticultural education material
- Plant observation subject
Easter Lily
Longiflorum Lily
White Trumpet Lily
Bermuda Lily
Scientific Name:
Lilium longiflorum
Family:
Liliaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Easter Lily is a perennial bulbous plant from the Lilium genus native to Ryukyu Islands of Japan and Taiwan. It produces pure white, elongated tubular flowers 10-15cm long and 5cm in diameter horizontally from April to June. Named 'Teppo-yuri' (gun lily) because the flower shape resembles a gun barrel. Growing 50cm-1m tall with oval, long leaves arranged alternately. The fragrance is sweet and gentle, more subdued than Casablanca lilies. Cold-hardy and easy to cultivate, it's beloved worldwide as Easter decoration flower.
Trivia
- Called 'Riser' in Okinawan dialect
- Representative Easter decoration flower worldwide
- Many hybrids with Lilium formosanum in circulation
- Extensively cultivated in Bermuda, also called 'Bermuda Lily'
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Potted plants
- Garden planting
- Wedding decorations
Medicinal
- Bulbs sometimes used in folk medicine
Caution:
Liliaceae plants can be toxic; medicinal use requires expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (potentially toxic)
Other
- Fragrance industry applications
- Horticultural education material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
All parts, Especially bulbs, Pollen
Symptoms:
Extremely toxic to cats causing acute kidney failure and potentially fatal