Baby's Breath
Gypsophila
Common Baby's Breath
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila elegans
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Flower Language
-
pure heart
-
innocence
-
gratitude
-
happiness
-
deep emotion
-
earnest feelings
Description
Baby's Breath is an annual plant from the Caryophyllaceae family distributed from Mediterranean coast to Asia, reaching about 1m in height. It produces countless small white flowers 1-2cm in diameter at branch tips from May to August, creating a beautiful mist-like appearance when in full bloom, hence the Japanese name 'mist grass'. There are two main types: annual Elegans and perennial Paniculata. Popular as a supporting flower in cut flower arrangements and floral displays. The scientific name Gypsophila means 'gypsum-loving', reflecting its preference for limestone soils.
Trivia
- English name 'Baby's Breath' comes from pure and gentle impression like baby's breath
- Maintains shape and color for long periods when dried
- Single inflorescence can have 200-300 small flowers
- Grows well in limestone soils, often seen around old buildings
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers (bouquets, arrangements)
- Dried flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
Medicinal
- Contains saponins, sometimes used in folk medicine for skin conditions
- Roots once used as soap substitute
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Soap ingredient (saponins)
- Craft materials
- Pressed flower materials
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Whole plant (contains saponins)
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset
Leopard Plant
Japanese Silver Leaf
Farfugium
Scientific Name:
Farfugium japonicum
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
love revived
-
modesty
-
overcoming difficulties
Description
Leopard Plant is an evergreen perennial from the Asteraceae family distributed from Japan to Korean Peninsula and southeastern China. Characterized by glossy large circular leaves, growing 30-40cm tall with flower stems reaching up to 70cm. Blooms with chrysanthemum-like yellow flowers at the upper stem from October to December in late autumn to early winter. Prefers rocky coastal areas and moist mountain locations, long cherished as ornamental plant. Young leaf petioles are edible and rhizomes are used medicinally, making it a versatile plant.
Trivia
- Scientific name Farfugium means 'powder disappears', referring to downy young leaves
- Similar to Petasites but distinguished by solid leaf petioles without holes
- Bred since Edo period with many variegated cultivars available
- Unique characteristic of growing both in coastal and mountain areas
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden plant (shade planting)
- Tea ceremony flowers
- Potted plants
- Ground cover
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Rhizomes used for stomach health and diarrhea treatment
- Leaves have antibacterial properties for external medicine
- Used as folk remedy for food poisoning
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without expert knowledge
Other
- Used as foliage plant
- Shade garden decoration
- Ikebana foliage material
Large-flowered Cypripedium
Atsumori Orchid
Japanese Lady's Slipper
Scientific Name:
Cypripedium macranthos var. speciosum
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
I won't forget you
-
capricious
Description
Atsumori Orchid is a perennial orchid distributed from Eastern Europe to East Asia, naturally growing in grasslands from lowlands to subalpine regions of Hokkaido to northern Honshu in Japan. It blooms with large purple-red flowers 5-8cm in diameter from May to July, featuring characteristic pouch-shaped labellum. Named 'Atsumori grass' because the pouch-shaped petals resemble the horo (protective armor) worn by Taira no Atsumori. Called 'King of wild orchids' for producing the largest flowers among Japan's native orchids, but currently designated as endangered species, making habitat protection a crucial issue.
Trivia
- Scientific name 'macranthos' means 'large flower'
- Can take over 10 years for a single flower to bloom
- Special plant that cannot survive without mycorrhizal fungus symbiosis
- Currently artificially propagated in Japan through established cultivation techniques
Uses
Ornamental
- Alpine botanical garden displays
- Conservation cultivation in botanical gardens
- Research cultivation
Medicinal
- Rhizomes sometimes used medicinally in Chinese medicine
- Some folk medicine applications exist
Caution:
Collection strictly prohibited as endangered species, avoid medicinal use
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption (requires protection)
Other
- Environmental education materials
- Indicator species for ecosystem protection
- Research subject plant
Lady's Slipper Orchid
Paphiopedilum
Venus Slipper
Slipper Orchid
Scientific Name:
Paphiopedilum insigne
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
unique person
-
capricious
-
thoughtfulness
-
changeable affection
Description
Paphiopedilum is an epiphytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, counted among the world's four major tropical orchids. Its greatest characteristic is the pouch-shaped lower labellum, earning names like 'Lady's Slipper' and 'Venus Slipper' from this shape. Flowers are sympodial, producing 1-2 blooms at a time with excellent longevity. With approximately 60-120 native species, it offers diverse flower colors and patterns. Relatively cold-tolerant, making it one of the easier tropical orchids to cultivate.
Trivia
- Scientific name derives from Greek meaning 'Paphos (Venus) slipper'
- Single flower can bloom for 1-3 months continuously
- Often mistaken for carnivorous plant but doesn't trap insects
- One of world's most expensive orchids, rare varieties can cost millions of yen
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants (indoor cultivation)
- Greenhouse cultivation
- Orchid show entries
- Collections
Medicinal
- Sometimes used as folk medicine in some regions
- Roots occasionally used for fever reduction and pain relief
Caution:
Wild species require protection, medicinal use needs expert knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Cut flowers (luxury floral material)
- Bridal decorations
- Fragrance ingredient (some species)