Kangaroo Paw
Australian Sword Lily
Anigozanthos
Scientific Name:
Anigozanthos spp.
Family:
Haemodoraceae
Flower Language
-
Mystery
-
Goodwill
-
You entertain everyone
Description
Named for its tubular flowers covered in fine hairs that split into six segments, resembling kangaroo paws. Native only to limited regions of southwestern Australia, it commonly comes in red and yellow varieties, though pink and pale green cultivars have recently been developed.
Trivia
- The scientific name Anigozanthos comes from Greek meaning 'opening flower'
- Western Australia is home to 12 species of kangaroo paw
- The flower's 'fur' is actually tiny scale-like structures
- In the wild, they bloom particularly well after bushfires
Uses
Ornamental
- Popular as cut flowers
- Exotic floral arrangements
- Dried flowers
Other
- Tourism industry decoration
- Cultivation as Australian souvenirs
German Primrose
Poison Primrose
Primula obconica
Scientific Name:
Primula obconica
Family:
Primulaceae
Flower Language
-
Hope of youth
-
First love
-
Youth
Description
Features a relatively long blooming period from winter to spring, producing large, soft-colored flowers among primrose varieties. Caution is needed as touching leaves and stems may cause skin irritation. Though a perennial native to China, it's often treated as an annual in Japan due to sensitivity to summer heat.
Trivia
- Also known as 'Poison Primrose' in some regions
- Breeding has produced cultivars that are less likely to cause skin irritation
- The genus name 'Primula' comes from Latin meaning 'first'
- The species name 'obconica' means 'inversely conical' referring to flower shape
Uses
Ornamental
- Indoor decoration as potted plants
- Accent in mixed plantings
- Winter to spring flower beds
Medicinal
Caution:
May cause skin irritation upon contact, wear gloves when handling.
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
May cause skin rash or inflammation upon contact.
Chrysanthemum
Mum
Chrysanth
Scientific Name:
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Nobility
-
Longevity and happiness
-
Sincerity
-
I love you
Description
Introduced to Japan from China between the late Nara and early Heian periods, chrysanthemums are used in the Imperial crest and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9) celebrates viewing these flowers, which symbolize longevity and immortality. Today, numerous varieties offer diverse flower forms and colors from large to small blooms.
Trivia
- The name 'Chrysanthemum' comes from Greek meaning 'golden flower'
- Japan is said to have thousands of chrysanthemum varieties
- Chrysanthemum dolls are a unique Japanese culture dating from the Edo period
- The 16-petal chrysanthemum crest is used by the Japanese Imperial family
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
- Garden and container planting
- Chrysanthemum dolls and exhibitions
Medicinal
- Traditional Chinese medicine for fever reduction and anti-inflammation
- Chrysanthemum tea for eye strain relief
Caution:
Caution needed for those with allergies.
Other
- Natural insecticide with pest control properties
- Used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Some varieties may cause dermatitis or allergic reactions.
Gloriosa
Flame Lily
Glory Lily
Climbing Lily
Scientific Name:
Gloriosa superba
Family:
Colchicaceae
Flower Language
-
Burning passion
-
Courage
-
Glory
Description
A deciduous perennial with bulbs that can reach up to 3 meters in height by wrapping its leaf-tip tendrils around other plants. The petals curve back like flames, displaying beautiful red and yellow gradations truly worthy of its glorious name. Blooming from July to September, it's popular as a cut flower.
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Gloriosa' means 'glorious' or 'magnificent' in Latin
- Accidental poisoning occasionally occurs due to bulbs resembling edible yams
- Its climbing nature allows it to be trained on fences and trellises
- It's Zimbabwe's national flower and appears on their national emblem
Uses
Ornamental
- Premium cut flowers for bouquets
- Garden decoration as climbing plants
- Ornamental greenhouse cultivation
Medicinal
- Traditional medicine for arthritis treatment (caution required)
Caution:
Contains toxic compound colchicine in bulbs, requiring extreme caution in handling.
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Entire plant
Symptoms:
Toxic compounds colchicine and gloriosine can cause digestive symptoms, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, death.