Japanese seaside aster
Kamyomena
Seaside chrysanthemum
Scientific Name:
Aster pseudo-asa-grayi
Family:
Asteraceae
Description
Isokan-giku is a perennial plant that was native to the coastal areas of southern Japan. It features relatively large flowers about 4cm in diameter, with beautiful contrast between bright pale red-purple ray petals and yellow disc florets. As a coastal plant, it is drought-resistant and has the unusual characteristic of blooming in winter. It is said to have the unique property that the plant dies after flowering once. Currently, it is difficult to find wild specimens, making it a precious plant.
Trivia
- The alternative name 'Kamyomena' comes from its resemblance to Yomena that blooms in autumn, but this one blooms in winter
- It is said to have the unusual property of dying after flowering once
- Currently called a phantom plant due to extreme difficulty in finding wild specimens
- Despite being a coastal plant, it is mysterious as it cannot be confirmed on current coastlines
Uses
Ornamental
- Winter garden decoration
- Pot cultivation
- Cut flowers
Medicinal
- Folk medicine for cold symptom relief
- Fever reduction
Caution:
Avoid medicinal use without professional knowledge
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Pressed flower material
- Dried flower material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity has been reported
Hyacinth
Garden hyacinth
Dutch hyacinth
Common hyacinth
Scientific Name:
Hyacinthus orientalis
Family:
Asparagaceae
Flower Language
-
devotion of first love
-
sports
-
game
-
love beyond sorrow
-
sorrow
-
quiet love
-
constant love
-
happiness with you
Description
Hyacinth is a bulbous plant native to the eastern Mediterranean to the Middle East. It was introduced to Japan at the end of the Edo period and is now widely loved as a representative spring flower. The flowers bloom densely in clusters, emitting a sweet and refreshing fragrance, and come in various colors including purple, pink, white, yellow, and red. It is popular as a bulb flower that colors winter to early spring, and is enjoyed in various forms such as potted plants, flower beds, cut flowers, and hydroponic cultivation. The name derives from Hyacinthus, the beautiful youth in Greek mythology, and many flower meanings have been born from the sorrowful story.
Trivia
- In the Netherlands in the 17th century, it became an object of speculation alongside tulips
- Popular as educational material because root growth can be observed through hydroponic cultivation
- The fragrance is said to be strongest in the morning and evening
- Records show it was cultivated since ancient Roman times
Uses
Ornamental
- Pot cultivation
- Flower bed planting
- Cut flowers
- Hydroponic cultivation
- Mixed planting
Medicinal
- Used as medicinal herb in ancient Greece
- Currently not used for medicinal purposes
Caution:
Avoid internal use as bulbs are toxic
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption. Bulbs are toxic.
Other
- Perfume ingredient
- Aromatherapy
- Pressed flower material
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Bulbs, Leaves, Stems
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dermatitis
Christmas bush
New South Wales Christmas bush
Summer Christmas bush
Scientific Name:
Ceratopetalum gummiferum
Family:
Cunoniaceae
Flower Language
-
purity
-
elegance
-
elegance
-
purity
Description
Christmas Bush is an evergreen tree of the Cunoniaceae family native to New South Wales, Australia. It produces small white flowers about 1cm in size, and after the flowers fall, the sepals gradually turn red and appear star-shaped. In Australia, the entire tree turns bright red around Christmas time, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is beloved as a flower that announces Christmas. In Japan, it is distributed as cut flowers or potted plants from autumn to winter, and is popular as material for wreaths and arrangements. It has a sweet fragrance and is characterized by relatively good longevity.
Trivia
- The red parts that look like flowers are actually sepals, and the real flowers are small white ones
- In Australia, it is called Christmas Bush because it turns red in December (summer)
- In Japan, it is often imported as cut flowers and is a relatively expensive floral material
- Has a scientific name derived from Greek words meaning 'horned petals' and 'produced from bark'
Uses
Ornamental
- Christmas wreaths
- Flower arrangements
- Cut flowers
- Pot cultivation
- Garden trees
Medicinal
- Records show it was used as folk medicine by Australian Aboriginal people
Caution:
Safety for medicinal use is not currently established
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Dried flowers
- Craft materials
- Natural dye
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity has been reported
Holly
Christmas holly
European holly
English holly
Scientific Name:
Ilex aquifolium
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Flower Language
-
I believe in God
-
family happiness
-
foresight
-
caution
-
foresight
Description
Holly (Western Holly) is an evergreen tall tree of the Aquifoliaceae family native to Western Asia, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa. It is impressive with its glossy serrated green leaves and vivid red berries, and is beloved worldwide as Christmas decoration. It blooms small white flowers of 6-8mm from April to May, and produces beautiful red berries from autumn to winter. It is widely used for garden trees, hedges, fresh flowers, and wreath making. In Christianity, it is considered a sacred tree symbolizing the blood and suffering of Jesus' passion. It is also believed to have protective effects against evil and is often displayed at entrances.
Trivia
- The English name 'Holly' has a different etymology from 'Holy' meaning sacred
- It is dioecious, with only female plants producing berries
- Has been used in Roman Saturnalia festivals since ancient times
- Older leaves tend to have fewer thorns as the plant matures
Uses
Ornamental
- Christmas wreaths
- Hedges
- Garden trees
- Cut flowers
- Pot cultivation
Medicinal
- Used in European folk medicine for fever and arthritis treatment
- Currently not recommended for medicinal use
Caution:
Berries and leaves are toxic, internal use is dangerous
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption. Berries are toxic.
Other
- Wood (instrument making)
- Protective charms
- Dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
Berries, Leaves, Bark
Symptoms:
Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and convulsions