December 18

Birth Flower

Heliconia
Lobster Claw False Bird of Paradise Parrot Flower

Scientific Name: Heliconia rostrata
Family: Heliconiaceae

Flower Language

  • attention, spotlight
  • eccentric person

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial plant of the Heliconiaceae family native to tropical America and South Pacific islands. The vibrant red and yellow parts that appear to be flowers are actually bracts, with the true flowers enclosed within. Known by various names due to its distinctive shape resembling lobster claws or parrot beaks. Prefers high temperature and humidity, with small varieties reaching 50cm and large varieties growing up to 7m.

Trivia

  • Named after Mount Helicon from Greek mythology, home of the Muses
  • Known by various names based on its shape, including lobster claw and parrot beak
  • The colorful parts are bracts, not actual flowers, which are small and hidden
  • Designated as the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flower arrangements
  • Garden decoration
  • Floral arrangements
Medicinal
  • Limited use in traditional medicine

Caution: Consult experts for medicinal use

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Tourist attraction decoration
  • Hotel displays

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant

Symptoms: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities

Gloriosa
Glory Lily Flame Lily Fire Lily Climbing Lily

Scientific Name: Gloriosa superba
Family: Colchicaceae

Flower Language

  • glorious world
  • magnificence
  • burning passion

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A bulbous plant of the Colchicaceae family native to tropical Africa and Asia. Features vibrant orange and red flowers with a distinctive flame-like appearance. The petals are wavy and reflexed upward, resembling flickering flames. It's a semi-climbing plant with tendrils at the leaf tips, growing 2-3 meters in height with an attractive, dynamic form.

Trivia

  • Named for its upward growth toward heaven, symbolizing glory
  • Designated as the national flower of Zimbabwe
  • Unique climbing characteristic using tendrils to attach to other plants
  • Distinctive reflexed petals create the appearance of flames rising upward

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Floral arrangements
  • Garden plants
Medicinal
  • Limited use in traditional medicine

Caution: Entire plant is toxic, medicinal use is dangerous

Culinary

Not edible due to toxicity of entire plant

Other
  • Garden accent plants
  • Tropical garden decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially bulbs

Symptoms: May cause severe poisoning symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage

Cymbidium
Boat Orchid

Scientific Name: Cymbidium hybridum
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • ambition
  • unpretentious heart
  • simplicity

Characteristics

Colors: green

Description

An orchid species distributed from the Himalayas to Indonesia and Australia, recognized as one of the world's four major orchids. Green cymbidiums are characterized by their subtle, plant-like calm coloration. They bloom from December to April, sometimes producing over 10 flowers per stem. The flowers have excellent longevity, lasting about 2 months.

Trivia

  • One of the world's four major orchids (Cattleya, Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum)
  • Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period, established as gift flowers
  • Green cymbidium's flower language 'ambition' expresses positive wishes for success
  • Popular for producing many flowers per stem with long viewing periods

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plant decoration
  • Cut flowers
  • Gift purposes
Medicinal
  • Limited use in traditional Chinese medicine

Caution: Medicinal use requires expert guidance

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Horticultural breeding
  • Orchid show exhibitions

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Lycaste
Forest Fairy Orchid

Scientific Name: Lycaste skinneri
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • pure heart
  • purity
  • cheerfulness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

An orchid species distributed from Mexico to Bolivia, characterized by triangular flowers. The three sepals are very large and developed, creating a distinctive triangular appearance. The flowers are large and thick, coming in various colors including pink, yellow, and green. Features large pseudobulbs with broad leaves at the tips, blooming from November to May.

Trivia

  • Named after Lycaste, beautiful daughter of King Priam from the Trojan War
  • Designated as the national flower of Guatemala
  • Distinctive triangular flower shape formed by three large sepals
  • Known as a fertilizer-loving orchid requiring careful cultivation

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted cultivation
  • Greenhouse growing
  • Orchid show exhibitions
Medicinal
  • Little recorded medicinal use

Caution: Not recommended for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Parent plant for hybrid breeding
  • Orchid enthusiast collections

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Sage
Common Sage Garden Sage Culinary Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • respect
  • wisdom
  • family love
  • happy family

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

A perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean coast, widely used since ancient times for medicinal, food, and spice purposes. Growing 40cm-1m tall, it has gray-green oblong leaves with fine network wrinkles and a fresh, refreshing fragrance. From early to mid-summer, it produces purple labiate flowers in spikes at the stem tips. Known as the 'herb of immortality,' it has antibacterial, antipyretic, and digestive promoting effects.

Trivia

  • English name 'sage' shares spelling with 'wise person,' symbolizing wisdom
  • The word 'sausage' may derive from sage, as it's essential in sausage making
  • Western proverb: 'Plant sage in your garden if you want to live long'
  • Treasured as a 'sacred herb' since ancient Roman times

Uses

Ornamental
  • Herb gardens
  • Ornamental plants
  • Dried flowers
Medicinal
  • Throat gargle for inflammation
  • Gingivitis treatment
  • Digestive aid
  • Fever reduction

Caution: Avoid large amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Culinary
  • Leaves
  • Flowers
Other
  • Fragrance
  • Cosmetics
  • Purification rituals

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Entire plant when consumed in large quantities

Symptoms: Large amounts may cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset