Leopard plant
Japanese silverleaf
Green leopard plant
Scientific Name:
Farfugium japonicum
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
A native Japanese evergreen perennial of the Asteraceae family, characterized by glossy large leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn. The name derives from 'glossy leaf butterbur', and it grows wild on rocky areas near coasts. It is cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens, and young leaf stalks are edible.
Trivia
- Name derives from 'glossy leaf butterbur' in Japanese
- Used as a winter seasonal word in haiku
- Resembles butterbur but belongs to different botanical family
- Blooms late from October to December, precious winter garden flower
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden ornamental plant
- Potted plant
- Ground cover
Medicinal
- Dried rhizome used as 'Takugo' for stomach ailments
- Leaves have antibacterial properties for treating swellings and eczema
- Treatment for food poisoning and diarrhea
Caution:
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, requires caution in use
Culinary
- Young leaf stalks
- Flower stems
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Rhizome, Roots, Leaf stalks
Symptoms:
Hepatotoxicity due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Toxicity can be reduced through proper preparation
Rose
Garden rose
Hybrid rose
Scientific Name:
Rosa hybrida
Family:
Rosaceae
Characteristics
Colors:
Beige
Description
A deciduous shrub of the Rosaceae family, specifically referring to garden varieties with beige coloration. Unlike traditional red or pink roses, these varieties feature elegant and subdued tones that create a sophisticated impression without being too flashy. They symbolize mature love and are popular as special gifts.
Trivia
- Beige roses are relatively new varieties gaining popularity for their elegant impression
- Over 40,000 rose varieties exist, earning the title 'Queen of Flowers'
- Flower meanings change with number (1 rose: love at first sight, 99 roses: eternal love)
- World's oldest rose garden is Malmaison in France
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Bouquets
Medicinal
- Rose hips rich in vitamin C
- Petals have beauty benefits
- Aromatherapy
Caution:
None for edible parts
Other
- Perfume
- Cosmetics
- Rose oil
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic (beware of thorn injuries)
Phalaenopsis
Moth orchid
Phalaenopsis orchid
Scientific Name:
Phalaenopsis aphrodite
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
Happiness comes flying
-
Pure love
Description
An orchid native to Southeast Asia, named for its elegant butterfly-like flower shape. As an epiphytic plant, it grows by attaching roots to trees and prefers high humidity. Known for long-lasting blooms, it's extremely popular as a celebratory gift. Available in various colors including white, pink, and yellow.
Trivia
- Introduced to Japan from Britain during late Edo to Meiji period
- Scientific name means 'moth-like' in Greek, but called 'butterfly-like' in Japanese
- Long-lasting blooms can continue for 2-3 months with proper care
- Grown in sphagnum moss rather than soil as epiphytic plant
Uses
Ornamental
- Gift potted plants
- Indoor decoration
- Wedding flowers
- Corsages
Other
- Luxury decoration
- Collection
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic
Belladonna
Deadly nightshade
Devil's berries
Scientific Name:
Atropa belladonna
Family:
Solanaceae
Description
A European native perennial of the nightshade family, highly toxic throughout the entire plant. Produces beautiful purple flowers and black berries, but contains tropane alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested. Historically used medicinally but requires extreme caution in handling.
Trivia
- Name 'Belladonna' means 'beautiful woman' in Italian
- 2-5 berries can be fatal for children, 10-20 for adults
- Known as poison since ancient Roman times
- Historically used for beauty purposes due to pupil-dilating effects
Uses
Ornamental
- Ornamental (specialized institutions only)
Medicinal
- Listed in Japanese Pharmacopoeia as Belladonna root
- Ophthalmic mydriatic agent
- Antispasmodic
Caution:
Extremely dangerous. Only used under strict medical supervision
Culinary
Strictly forbidden for consumption
Other
- Research purposes (toxicity studies)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially rhizome and roots, Berries
Symptoms:
Tropane alkaloid poisoning. Vomiting, mydriasis, abnormal excitement, potentially fatal
Lavender
English lavender
True lavender
Scientific Name:
Lavandula angustifolia
Family:
Lamiaceae
Flower Language
-
Silence
-
Cleanliness
-
I'm waiting for you
Description
A semi-woody plant of the mint family native to the Mediterranean coast, also known as the 'Queen of Herbs'. It produces strongly fragrant purple flowers in spikes and has been widely used for fragrance, medicine, and ornamental purposes since ancient times. Known for its relaxing effects, it's popular in aromatherapy.
Trivia
- Known as 'Queen of Herbs' with about 39 species identified
- Used in mummification process in ancient Egypt
- Furano lavender fields in Hokkaido peak in July
- Origin of the color name 'lavender'
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Potted plants
- Dried flowers
- Border planting
Medicinal
- Relaxation effects
- Insomnia improvement
- Antibacterial properties
- Pain relief
Caution:
Avoid during pregnancy
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Soap
- Aromatherapy oil
- Insect repellent
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Essential oil (high concentration)
Symptoms:
Possible mild gastrointestinal upset with large amounts. Safe with normal use