December 10

Birth Flower

Renanthera
Flame Orchid Red Vanda

Scientific Name: Renanthera coccinea
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • Passionate desire
  • Graceful dance

Characteristics

Colors: Orange-red

Description

Renanthera is an epiphytic orchid of the family Orchidaceae, genus Renanthera, native to tropical Asia. About 21 species and 2 varieties are distributed, making it a rare epiphytic orchid with only about 12 known species. As a member of the Vanda group, it predominantly features red-orange colors and is characterized by its graceful appearance resembling dancing figures. The flower stems extend long from leaf axils, branching to form many flowers in a pyramidal arrangement. The scientific name derives from the kidney-shaped pollinia.

Trivia

  • Rare orchid genus with only 21 species confirmed worldwide
  • Scientific name etymology derives from kidney-shaped pollinia
  • Considered particularly difficult to cultivate among Vanda-type orchids
  • Also called 'Dancing Orchid' due to its graceful dancing doll-like flower form

Uses

Ornamental
  • Ornamental cultivation in premium greenhouses
  • Featured plant in orchid exhibitions
  • Rare plant for collectors
Medicinal
  • Used as tonic in Southeast Asian traditional medicine

Caution: Scientific evidence for medicinal use is insufficient and should not be used without expert guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Researched as perfume ingredient
  • Biotechnology research material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity has been particularly reported

Streptocarpus
Cape Primrose Twisted Fruit

Scientific Name: Streptocarpus rexii
Family: Gesneriaceae

Flower Language

  • Listen to the whispers
  • Responding to trust
  • Early youth

Characteristics

Colors: Purple, white, pink

Description

Streptocarpus is a plant of the Gesneriaceae family native to South Africa, with over 130 species worldwide. From May to October, it blooms violet-like trumpet-shaped flowers at the tips of thin stems. The flowers split into 5 parts at the tip, with rich color variations including purple, light purple, white, pink, and multicolored varieties. The scientific name means 'twisted fruit,' derived from the spiral-twisted fruits that form after blooming. It's a popular houseplant suitable for indoor cultivation.

Trivia

  • Enjoys very long flowering period from May to October
  • Unique plant with scientific name derived from twisted fruit shape
  • Popular indoor flowering plant alongside African violets
  • Divided into rosette-forming types and upright stem types

Uses

Ornamental
  • Popular as indoor potted ornamental plant
  • Used as long-lasting cut flowers
  • Central material in mixed plantings
Medicinal
  • Used for cough suppression in South African traditional medicine
  • Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties

Caution: Scientific evidence for medicinal use is limited and should not be used without medical guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Used as educational material in horticulture
  • Research material for plant breeding

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity has been reported

Cattleya
Queen of Orchids Corsage Orchid

Scientific Name: Cattleya labiata
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • Enchanting
  • Graceful
  • Magical power
  • Charm
  • Graceful lady

Characteristics

Colors: Various colors

Description

Cattleya is an epiphytic orchid of the family Orchidaceae, genus Cattleya, native to Central and South America, and one of the most famous orchids known as the 'Queen of Orchids.' It produces large, gorgeous flowers with strong fragrance. Flower colors are extremely diverse including red, pink, white, yellow, orange, blue, purple, green, and multicolored varieties, with particularly beautifully developed labellum. The scientific name derives from the first cultivator William Cattley, and the Japanese common name is 'Hinode-ran' (Sunrise Orchid). It's also popular as corsage flowers.

Trivia

  • One of the first orchids to be artificially hybridized in the world
  • First bloomed in Britain in 1855, causing a great sensation
  • Designated as the national flower of Colombia
  • A single flower's value sometimes equaled a worker's annual income in the past

Uses

Ornamental
  • Popular as corsages and boutonnières
  • Wedding bouquets and decorations
  • Luxury flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Used as tonic in South American traditional medicine

Caution: Scientific evidence for medicinal use is insufficient

Culinary
  • Petals
Other
  • Researched as luxury perfume ingredient
  • Research material for plant hormones

Toxicity

Symptoms: No particular toxicity has been reported

Japanese Camellia
Camellia Rose of Winter

Scientific Name: Camellia japonica
Family: Theaceae

Flower Language

  • Modest excellence
  • Unpretentious elegance
  • Humble virtue

Characteristics

Colors: Red

Description

Camellia is an evergreen tree of the family Theaceae, genus Camellia, native to Japan, with the scientific name Camellia japonica. It grows to a height of 5-10 meters and blooms twice a year: November-December and February-April, producing flowers in red, pink, white, and multicolored varieties. Red camellias in particular have been beloved as representative flowers of Japanese winter since ancient times. The flowers characteristically have no fragrance, which is the origin of the 'modest' flower language meaning. It's also used as important flower material in tea ceremony and ikebana.

Trivia

  • Scientific name given by Linnaeus after German missionary Kamel
  • Many regions in Japan's 47 prefectures have designated it as prefectural or city flower
  • Camellia boom occurred during Edo period, creating hundreds of varieties
  • Some say it was disliked by samurai due to whole flowers falling

Uses

Ornamental
  • Planted as garden trees and park trees
  • Flower material for ikebana and tea ceremony
  • Popular as bonsai
Medicinal
  • Dried flowers used as hemostatic agent
  • Leaves believed to have antibacterial properties

Caution: Medicinal use should be conducted under expert guidance

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Seeds
Other
  • Camellia oil used as hair oil and cosmetic ingredient
  • Wood used for construction materials and crafts

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Seeds

Symptoms: Large consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal disorders