December 02

Birth Flower

Japanese stuartia
Tall stewartia Japanese camellia

Scientific Name: Stewartia monadelpha
Family: Theaceae

Flower Language

  • modesty
  • loveliness
  • humility

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Himeshara is a deciduous tree endemic to Japan that produces white flowers with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm from June to July. The flowers feature beautiful contrast between yellow centers and white petals. Named for having smaller flowers and leaves than the related Sharanoki (Natsu-tsubaki), it grows 10-15 meters tall, displays beautiful autumn colors, and reveals attractive reddish-brown smooth bark after leaf fall.

Trivia

  • Also called Japanese Crape Myrtle due to its smooth bark
  • Records exist of ancient trees over 1000 years old
  • Flowers are ephemeral, opening in the morning and falling by evening
  • A traditional tree beloved by Japanese people since the Heian period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting as a symbol tree
  • Use in parks and as street trees
  • Ornamental use in tea gardens
Medicinal
  • No specific medicinal uses confirmed

Caution: Use for medicinal purposes is not recommended

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Wood used for construction and furniture
  • Bark can be used as dye

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Spray carnation
Multi-flower carnation Spray-type carnation

Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Flower Language

  • heightened emotions
  • collective beauty
  • simplicity

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Spray carnations began appearing in flower shops in the 1970s, featuring multiple small flowers branching from a single stem. Characterized by smaller blooms compared to standard single-flower carnations, they have now become more popular than single-flower types. They possess a sweet, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves and come in a rich variety of colors including red, pink, white, yellow, and orange.

Trivia

  • Introduced to Japan in the 1970s and quickly became popular
  • Valued as cut flowers for lasting longer than single-flower types
  • The Netherlands is known as the world's largest producer
  • Over 100 varieties of colors and forms exist through breeding

Uses

Ornamental
  • Used as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements
  • Potted plants for indoor decoration
  • Planting in flower beds
Medicinal
  • Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Caution: Consult experts before using for medicinal purposes

Culinary
  • petals
Other
  • Used as fragrance ingredient in perfumes
  • Dried flowers for decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant

Symptoms: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities

Heliconia
Lobster claw Bird of paradise

Scientific Name: Heliconia spp.
Family: Heliconiaceae

Flower Language

  • attention
  • eccentric person
  • spotlight

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Heliconia is a plant genus with over 100 species distributed in tropical America and South Pacific islands. The vivid red and yellow parts that appear to be flowers are actually bracts, with the true flowers hidden inside. Also called 'Lobster Claw' due to its distinctive shape resembling lobster claws or bird beaks. Small varieties reach about 50cm in height, while large species can grow up to 7 meters tall with large banana-like leaves.

Trivia

  • Previously classified in the banana family but now in its own Heliconiaceae family
  • Known as an important nectar source for hummingbirds
  • Some species have the characteristic of opening flowers at night
  • Considered one of the world's largest herbaceous plants

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers for tropical arrangements
  • Greenhouse cultivation for viewing
  • Landscape plants in tropical gardens
Medicinal
  • Some species used in traditional South American folk medicine

Caution: Professional knowledge required for medicinal use

Culinary

Generally not used for food

Other
  • Leaves traditionally used as wrapping material
  • Tropical decoration in tourist areas

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, stems

Symptoms: May cause dermatitis upon contact

Dracaena
Dragon tree Corn plant

Scientific Name: Dracaena spp.
Family: Asparagaceae

Flower Language

  • happiness
  • truthfulness
  • undeniable happiness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Dracaena is an evergreen shrub or small tree distributed in tropical Asia and Africa, with about 50 species existing. Particularly, Dracaena massangeana is widely beloved in Japan as the 'happiness tree', characterized by beautiful variegated leaves extending from thick trunks. While sensitive to cold, they are easy to grow indoors and extremely popular as houseplants. Mature trees may produce flowers.

Trivia

  • Giant dracaenas over 1000 years old have been found in the Canary Islands
  • NASA research has confirmed their air purifying effects
  • Some species can grow up to 20 meters in height
  • Became popular as houseplants in Japan from the 1970s

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor houseplants
  • Office decoration plants
  • Gift potted plants
Medicinal
  • Some species used in traditional folk medicine

Caution: Consult experts before using for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Believed to have air purifying effects
  • Used as feng shui plants

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, stems

Symptoms: May cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed by pets

Cineraria
Florist's cineraria Senecio

Scientific Name: Pericallis × hybrida
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • always cheerful
  • joy
  • pleasant

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Cineraria is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family, created as a horticultural variety by crossing several Pericallis species native to the Canary Islands. It blooms for an extended period from November to May, featuring an extremely rich variety of flower colors including purple, pink, yellow, brown, and multicolors. Characterized by flowers blooming in dense, radial clusters, it is sensitive to heat and treated as an annual in Japan.

Trivia

  • Originally called 'Cineraria' but renamed 'Saineria' in Japan to avoid negative associations
  • Also known by alternative names like 'Fukizakura' and 'Fuukizakura'
  • Hundreds of varieties now exist through breeding
  • Has the characteristic of forming flower buds well in low temperatures

Uses

Ornamental
  • Winter potted flowers for indoor decoration
  • Greenhouse cultivation and viewing
  • Gift potted plants
Medicinal
  • Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Caution: Use for medicinal purposes is not recommended

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Used as breeding parents in horticulture
  • Short-term enjoyment as cut flowers

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: entire plant

Symptoms: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed

Moss
Bryophyte Mosses

Scientific Name: Bryophyta spp.
Family: Various moss families

Flower Language

  • maternal love
  • trust
  • loneliness
  • contemplation

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Moss plants are terrestrial plants without vascular tissue that reproduce through spores, broadly classified into three groups: mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. About 20,000 species exist worldwide, with approximately 1,700 species native to Japan. They lack true roots, anchoring themselves with rhizoids and absorbing water and nutrients directly through their body surface. While preferring humid environments, they actually require adequate light for photosynthesis. They grow in various locations including rock surfaces, tree bark, and soil surfaces, playing important roles as ecosystem foundations.

Trivia

  • One of the oldest terrestrial plants, appearing on Earth about 500 million years ago
  • NASA research has confirmed atmospheric purification effects
  • Has amazing vitality, entering dormancy when dry and reviving when water is available
  • Japan's Moss Temple (Saihoji) is a world-famous moss destination

Uses

Ornamental
  • Landscape creation in Japanese gardens
  • Materials for kokedama and moss terrariums
  • Ground cover for bonsai
Medicinal
  • Some species used in traditional folk medicine

Caution: Professional knowledge required for medicinal use

Culinary

Generally not used for food

Other
  • Soil erosion prevention
  • Air humidity regulation
  • Foundation plants in ecosystems

Toxicity

Symptoms: Generally no toxicity reported