November 23

Birth Flower

Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia Crane Flower

Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
Family: Strelitziaceae

Flower Language

  • brilliant future
  • obtaining everything
  • affected love
  • versatility

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Strelitzia is a perennial evergreen plant from the Strelitzia genus native to South Africa. From May to October, it produces flowers with vivid orange sepals and blue-purple petals, earning the Japanese name 'Bird of Paradise flower' for its resemblance to a tropical bird. The unique structure features flowers rising at right angles from boat-shaped spathes. The stem reaches 1-2m in height with large oval leaves. The scientific name Strelitzia honors Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of England. Preferring warm climates, it's cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant.

Trivia

  • What appears to be petals are actually sepals; true flowers are the blue parts
  • Individual flowers typically last 7-10 days
  • Pollinated by birds such as sunbirds and hummingbirds
  • Seeds have bright orange arils

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Houseplants
  • Garden plants
  • Potted plants
Medicinal
  • Sometimes used traditionally as medicinal herb in South Africa

Caution: Medicinal effects not scientifically proven; do not use without expert knowledge

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Wedding decorations
  • Hotel lobby decorations
  • Flower arrangements
  • Horticultural education material

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Seeds, Leaves

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms

Firethorn
Pyracantha Scarlet Firethorn

Scientific Name: Pyracantha coccinea
Family: Rosaceae

Flower Language

  • burning passion
  • beauty is your charm
  • compassion
  • defense

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub from the Pyracantha genus native to Europe and West Asia. In May-June, it produces numerous small white flowers in clusters, followed by abundant bright red, orange, or yellow berries 5-8mm in diameter in autumn. Branches have sharp thorns, making it useful for security hedging. The berries persist on branches long after frost, providing valuable food for winter birds. The scientific name Pyracantha derives from Greek 'pyro' (fire) and 'acantha' (thorn), referring to flame-like red berries and sharp thorns. Both cold and heat tolerant, it can be trained into various shapes through pruning.

Trivia

  • Japanese name refers to being evergreen and resembling hawthorn
  • Berries non-toxic to birds but toxic to humans
  • Thorns are modified branches serving defensive function
  • Single plant can produce over 1000 berries

Uses

Ornamental
  • Hedges
  • Garden trees
  • Bonsai
  • Cut branches with berries
Medicinal
  • Berries sometimes used in folk medicine for stomach ailments
  • Leaves used topically in some regions

Caution: Berries are toxic; large quantities dangerous. Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge

Culinary

Berries toxic and not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Security hedging
  • Bird feeding habitat
  • Soil erosion control
  • Air pollution purification

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Berries, Seeds

Symptoms: Berry ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain

Chrysanthemum
Mum Florist's Chrysanthemum

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • truth
  • longing
  • sincere heart
  • nobility
  • purity

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

Chrysanthemum is a cold-hardy evergreen perennial from the Chrysanthemum genus native to China, representing Japan's autumn flowers. Blooming from September to November, flower colors are abundant including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple, with sizes ranging from large chrysanthemums over 18cm to small ones under 9cm in diameter. White chrysanthemums especially symbolize purity and are used in the imperial family crest. Introduced from China during the Nara period, they became beloved during the Heian period as part of the Chrysanthemum Festival. They remain deeply rooted in Japanese culture through chrysanthemum exhibitions and chrysanthemum dolls. The scientific name Chrysanthemum derives from Greek 'chrysos' (gold) and 'anthemon' (flower), referring to golden-colored flowers.

Trivia

  • One of Japan's national flowers used in imperial crest
  • Unique artistic culture including chrysanthemum dolls and crafts
  • Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9th) also called Double Ninth Festival
  • One of the most extensively bred flowers in the world

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Potted plants
  • Garden planting
  • Buddhist altar flowers
Medicinal
  • Petals used for chrysanthemum tea
  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for fever reduction and detoxification
  • Used for eye strain relief

Caution: Caution needed for allergic individuals. Avoid large quantities

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Chrysanthemum exhibition displays
  • Fragrance raw material
  • Natural insecticide (pyrethrum)
  • Natural dye

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: Allergic individuals may experience dermatitis or respiratory symptoms