December 19

Birth Flower

Begonia
Wax Begonia Bedding Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia semperflorens
Family: Begoniaceae

Flower Language

  • confession of love
  • happy days
  • unrequited love

Characteristics

Colors: pink

Description

Begonia is a perennial plant of the Begoniaceae family, with over 2000 native species distributed in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions worldwide except Australia. It is characterized by asymmetrical, slightly distorted leaves and separate male and female flowers, with most species having 4 petals for male flowers and 5 for female flowers. It blooms for long periods from May to November, producing colorful flowers in red, purple, white, pink, yellow, orange, and blue.

Trivia

  • The scientific name 'semperflorens' means 'always flowering', referring to its long blooming period
  • There are over 2000 native species, with tens of thousands of cultivars
  • One of the rare plants that produces separate male and female flowers
  • Named after Michel Begon, former governor of Haiti

Uses

Ornamental
  • Bedding plants
  • Container gardening
  • Hanging baskets
Medicinal
  • Anti-inflammatory properties in folk medicine
  • Wound healing

Caution: Contains oxalic acid, avoid large quantities

Culinary
  • Petals
  • Young leaves
Other
  • Interior decoration
  • Event decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Stems

Symptoms: Contains oxalic acid which may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities

Christmas Rose
Hellebore Winter Rose Lenten Rose

Scientific Name: Helleborus niger
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Language

  • ease my anxiety
  • comfort
  • remembrance

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Christmas Rose is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family native to Europe and Western Asia. Named for being available around Christmas time, it actually blooms from winter to spring. What appears to be petals are botanically sepals, not true petals. Despite the name 'Rose', it is not related to roses. It has strong cold resistance and can bloom even in snow, earning it the nickname 'snow awakener'.

Trivia

  • The scientific name Helleborus means 'to kill by eating' in Greek
  • What appears to be petals are actually sepals, with true petals being reduced
  • Used as arrow poison in ancient times
  • Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting
  • Container gardening
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal

Caution: Highly toxic, medicinal use is dangerous

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Winter garden decoration
  • Christmas decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Severe

Toxic Parts: All parts, Especially rhizomes

Symptoms: Contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrest

Snowflake
Summer Snowflake Loddon Lily Giant Snowdrop

Scientific Name: Leucojum aestivum
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Flower Language

  • purity
  • pure heart
  • attractive charm

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Snowflake is a bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family native to central and southern Europe and the Mediterranean coast. Also known as Summer Snowflake or Giant Snowdrop, it produces 1.5cm white bell-shaped flowers facing downward, characterized by light green dots at the petal tips. It has a violet-like fragrance and elegantly decorates spring gardens. As a bulb plant, it blooms beautiful flowers every year even when left unattended.

Trivia

  • The scientific name Leucojum means 'white violet' in Greek
  • Green spots on petals serve as guides to attract nectar-seeking insects
  • Bulbs can be mistaken for daffodils, requiring caution
  • Forms large colonies in moist areas along rivers in Britain

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden planting
  • Naturalistic gardens
  • Cut flowers
Medicinal

Caution: Contains toxic compounds as a member of Amaryllidaceae family

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Spring decoration
  • Natural landscape design

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Bulbs, All parts

Symptoms: Contains alkaloids that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness

Sacred Lily
Nippon Lily Japanese Sacred Lily

Scientific Name: Rohdea japonica
Family: Asparagaceae

Flower Language

  • longevity
  • long life
  • maternal love

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Sacred Lily is an evergreen perennial of the Asparagaceae family, native to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu in Japan with Miyagi Prefecture as its northern limit, and also found in China. Thick, blue-green leaves arch gracefully from the ground, cream-colored flowers bloom in April-May, and red berries appear in winter. Called 'eternal green' for maintaining its green color year-round, it has been treasured as an auspicious plant since the Edo period. There's a famous episode of it being presented to Tokugawa Ieyasu when he entered Edo Castle, making it a traditional housewarming gift.

Trivia

  • Loved by everyone from feudal lords to common people in the Edo period, with specialized horticultural books published
  • Hundreds of varieties still exist today, classified by leaf patterns and shapes
  • Actually a toxic plant, but can be enjoyed long-term with proper care
  • Classification changed from Liliaceae to Asparagaceae based on DNA analysis

Uses

Ornamental
  • Houseplant
  • Garden planting
  • Bonsai
Medicinal
  • Tonic in folk medicine
  • Antipyretic properties

Caution: Contains saponins, use with caution

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Lucky charms as gifts
  • Interior decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: All parts, Especially rhizomes

Symptoms: Contains saponins which may cause gastrointestinal disorders if consumed in large quantities

Cyclamen
Persian Cyclamen Florist's Cyclamen

Scientific Name: Cyclamen persicum
Family: Primulaceae

Flower Language

  • modesty
  • shyness
  • bashfulness

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Kagaibibana (torch flower) is the Japanese name for Cyclamen, a perennial bulbous plant of the Primulaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it blooms from October to March. The five petals reflex backward when blooming, resembling torch flames, which led botanist Tomitaro Makino to give it this name. It characteristically produces flowers facing downward at the tip of long flower stems that grow paired with leaves. It is beloved as a representative potted flower that brightens indoor spaces in winter.

Trivia

  • The Japanese name 'Kagaibibana' was coined by Dr. Tomitaro Makino from a lady's comment that 'this looks like a torch flame flower'
  • The alternate name 'pig's bun' comes from the shape of the tuber
  • Wild species have summer dormancy, but horticultural varieties can be enjoyed year-round
  • Flowers have the property of becoming more fragrant at night

Uses

Ornamental
  • Potted plants
  • Indoor decoration
  • Gift plants
Medicinal

Caution: All parts are toxic, medicinal use is dangerous

Culinary

Not edible

Other
  • Winter indoor decoration
  • Christmas decoration

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: All parts, Especially tubers

Symptoms: Contains saponins which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis