Christmas Cactus
Holiday Cactus
Crab Cactus
Thanksgiving Cactus
Scientific Name:
Schlumbergera truncata
Family:
Cactaceae
Flower Language
-
beautiful view
-
momentary beauty
-
perverse
Description
The Christmas Cactus is a succulent plant named for its stem segments that resemble a mantis shrimp (shako). Also called Christmas Cactus because it blooms beautiful flowers around Christmas time. The flower language 'beautiful view' comes from the fact that while the plant may not look impressive before blooming, it becomes extraordinarily beautiful when it flowers, representing the wonderful moment when talent blossoms.
Trivia
- Originally an epiphytic plant that grows attached to trees, requiring no soil
- A short-day plant that forms flower buds when darkness continues for over 12 hours
- A long-lived plant that can bloom for decades from the same stock
- Sometimes called 'Crab Cactus' due to the shape of its stem segments
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor houseplant
- Christmas decoration
- Gift plant
Medicinal
Caution:
No particular medicinal uses
Other
- Air purification
- Interior accent
Winter Cosmos
Bidens
Tickseed
Beggarticks
Scientific Name:
Bidens ferulifolia
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
beautiful harmony
-
pale love
-
I love you again
Description
Winter Cosmos features delicate flowers with yellow petals tinged with white and a faint sweet fragrance. The flower language 'I love you again' comes from its ability to bloom continuously from autumn to winter. The flower language 'beautiful harmony' derives from how its yellow-to-white gradation harmonizes beautifully with any other flowers.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Bidens' means 'two teeth' in Latin, referring to the shape of its seeds
- Often confused with cosmos due to similar flower shapes, despite being from completely different plant families
- The flower language 'I love you again' comes from its ability to rebloom after pruning
- Valuable as a nectar source plant that attracts butterflies and bees
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower bed planting
- Mixed plantings
- Container gardens
Medicinal
Caution:
No particular medicinal uses
Other
- Cut flowers
- Pressed flowers
Cyclamen
Persian Violet
Sowbread
Scientific Name:
Cyclamen persicum
Family:
Primulaceae
Flower Language
-
purity
-
compassion
-
reserve
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
Cyclamen is a bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean coast, beloved in Japan as a winter potted flower. White cyclamen especially carries the flower language of 'purity,' cherished for its elegant and modest beauty. The flowers bloom downward to protect pollen from rain, and this appearance of seeming bashful gave rise to flower languages like 'reserve' and 'shyness.'
Trivia
- In ancient Greece, called 'pig's bread' because it was used as pig feed
- Has the unique trait of flower stems spiraling to carry seeds to the ground after blooming
- About 20 wild species grow naturally in Europe
- Established as a representative winter potted flower in Japan since its introduction in the Meiji era
Uses
Ornamental
- Potted plants
- Indoor decoration
- Gift plants
Medicinal
- Historical records show use in folk medicine since ancient times
Caution:
Currently used only for ornamental purposes, medicinal use is not recommended
Other
- Perfume ingredient (ancient times)
- Collector's plant
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Roots
Symptoms:
Gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting, diarrhea due to saponins
Tea Plant
Tea Tree
Tea Bush
Scientific Name:
Camellia sinensis
Family:
Theaceae
Flower Language
-
pure love
-
modesty
-
reminiscence
Description
The tea plant is the source of tea beloved worldwide. Its small white flowers resemble camellias and bloom from late autumn to early winter. The flower language 'pure love' comes from the pure love represented by white flowers, and 'reminiscence' derives from how the act of drinking tea is connected to remembering the past. Originating from Yunnan Province, China, it is now used for tea production worldwide.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'sinensis' means 'from China'
- Tea quality is greatly influenced by cultivation altitude, climate, and soil
- Green tea, oolong tea, and black tea are all made from the same tea plant
- In Japan, said to have been brought from China by Saicho during the Heian period
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree
- Hedge
- Tea garden decoration
Medicinal
- Antioxidant effects
- Caffeine effects
- Antibacterial action from catechins
Caution:
Contains caffeine, pregnant women and children should limit intake
Other
- Tea oil source
- Cosmetic ingredient
- Insect repellent effect
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Caffeine-containing parts
Symptoms:
Caffeine intoxication from excessive consumption (insomnia, palpitations, etc.)
Common Reed
Phragmites
Norfolk Reed
Scientific Name:
Phragmites australis
Family:
Poaceae
Description
Yoshii (Common Reed) is a perennial grass in the rice family that grows naturally in wetlands throughout Japan, reaching heights of 2-3 meters. Originally called 'Ashi,' it came to be called 'Yoshi' to avoid the negative connotation of 'Ashi' (meaning 'bad'). Its stems are used as musical instrument materials, hence the flower language 'music.' It blooms dark purple flowers from August to September and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, being frequently mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry collection.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'australis' means 'southern' but actually widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere
- Hollow stems have been used for flutes and wind instruments since ancient times
- Sung about as 'ashi' in the Manyoshu, one of the important plants in Japan's oldest poetry collection
- Currently gaining attention as a bioremediation plant for water purification
Uses
Ornamental
- Waterside landscape plant
- Dried flowers
- Ikebana material
Medicinal
- Fever reduction
- Diuretic effects
- Anti-inflammatory action
Caution:
While used in folk medicine, current use is recommended only under professional guidance
Other
- Musical instrument material like reed pipes
- Building material (thatching)
- Paper raw material
- Water purification plant