Oriental Bittersweet
Asian Bittersweet
Round-leaved Bittersweet
Scientific Name:
Celastrus orbiculatus
Family:
Celastraceae
Flower Language
-
Good Fortune
-
Late Success
-
Strong Fortune
-
Truth
Description
Oriental Bittersweet is a deciduous climbing vine native to East Asia, including Japan. It produces small yellow-green flowers from May to June, and in autumn, the spherical fruits ripen to yellow and split into three parts, revealing seeds covered with orange arils. This beautiful fruit coloration enhances its ornamental value and makes it widely used in flower arrangements and decorations. The leaves are oval-shaped, resembling plum leaves, which is the origin of its Japanese name.
Trivia
- The scientific name Celastrus comes from the Greek word meaning 'late', referring to the late ripening of fruits
- Many birds (turtle doves, white-eyes, thrushes, etc.) feed on the berries as valuable winter food
- In North America, it proliferates enough to cover forests and threatens native plants
- In Japan, it has been beloved under the name 'tsuruumemodoki' since ancient times and is used as a seasonal word in poetry
Uses
Ornamental
- Flower arrangement material
- Wreath making
- Bonsai material
Medicinal
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for arthritis treatment
- Used in folk medicine for improving blood circulation
Caution:
Some literature indicates toxicity, so medicinal use requires expert guidance
Other
- Important role in ecosystem as bird food
- Decorative dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Unripe fruits, Leaves
Symptoms:
May cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets if ingested
Larkspur
Rocket Larkspur
Annual Delphinium
Scientific Name:
Consolida ajacis
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Flower Language
-
Carefree Living
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Cheerfulness
-
Vivacity
-
Freedom
Description
Larkspur is an annual plant in the buttercup family native to southern Europe. The English name 'Larkspur' means 'lark's spur,' referring to the spur-like projection at the back of the flower that resembles a bird's claw. From May to June, it produces beautiful spikes of blue, purple, pink, and white flowers, sometimes growing over one meter tall. It is widely cultivated in gardens and as cut flowers, and is also called 'Chidori-so' (plover grass) or 'Hien-so' (swallow grass) in Japanese due to its graceful linear flower form.
Trivia
- Formerly classified in the Delphinium genus, it is now classified in the separate Consolida genus
- Seeds are photophobic and require soil covering when sown
- Recently, antique color varieties like 'Larkspur Earl Grey' have appeared
- Can bloom from self-sown seeds when adapted to the environment
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flowers
- Garden beds
- Line flower arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
Not used medicinally due to toxicity
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption due to toxicity
Other
- Seeds sometimes used as insecticide ingredient
- Used as dried flowers
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Severe
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Seeds, Flowers
Symptoms:
Contains alkaloids such as delphinine, causing rapid arrhythmia, muscle spasms, nervousness, and weakness when ingested
Ornamental Pineapple
Miniature Pineapple
Decorative Ananas
Scientific Name:
Ananas comosus var. variegatus
Family:
Bromeliaceae
Flower Language
-
Perfection
-
Flawless
-
You are Perfect
Characteristics
Colors:
Red
Description
Ornamental pineapple is a horticultural variety of pineapple bred for decorative purposes, much smaller than regular pineapples and bearing beautiful red fruits. The leaves are green with white and red variegation, making them highly decorative. While the fruits are edible, they are primarily grown for ornamental purposes. They can be grown indoors and are popular as houseplants that create an exotic atmosphere.
Trivia
- The name 'pineapple' combines 'pine' (pine cone) and 'apple'
- The fruit is actually a collection of flowers and botanically called a false fruit
- Performs CAM photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide at night
- First recorded when Christopher Columbus discovered it in the West Indies in 1493
Uses
Ornamental
- Houseplant
- Interior decoration
- Gift plant
Medicinal
Caution:
No medicinal use information available for ornamental varieties
Other
- Photography props
- Flower arrangement material
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No particular toxicity, but pineapple enzymes may cause mouth irritation
Kaffir Lily
Clivia
Bush Lily
Natal Lily
Scientific Name:
Clivia miniata
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
Nobility
-
Sincerity
-
Compassionate
-
Dignified
Characteristics
Colors:
Orange
Description
Kaffir Lily is a perennial plant in the Amaryllis family native to South Africa. Despite having 'lily' in its name, it is not in the lily family. It was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period and is cherished as a luxury houseplant. From March to April, it extends thick flower stems and produces 10-20 brilliant orange flowers at the tip. The glossy dark green leaves are beautiful year-round, making it enjoyable as a houseplant even outside the flowering period. With a long lifespan, this valuable plant can be cultivated across generations.
Trivia
- The phenomenon of flowers blooming without stem elongation is called 'sitting bloom' and is caused by insufficient cold treatment
- Recently, Chinese improved varieties that produce green flowers have been introduced
- Division is best done from April to May, every 2-3 years
- Designated as birth flower for March 5th and March 15th in Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Luxury houseplant
- Indoor decoration
- Gift plant
Medicinal
Caution:
As a member of the Amaryllis family, careful handling is required
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption as it is an ornamental plant
Other
- Material for breeding programs
- Collector's item for horticultural enthusiasts
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Rhizome, Flowers
Symptoms:
As an Amaryllis family plant, it has mild toxicity and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Pineapple
Ananas
Scientific Name:
Ananas comosus
Family:
Bromeliaceae
Flower Language
-
You are Perfect
-
Flawless
-
Hospitality
Description
Pineapple is a perennial plant in the Bromeliaceae family native to Brazil, forming a compound fruit from numerous small flowers clustered together. The name combines 'pine' (pine cone) and 'apple', referring to its appearance and sweet aroma. Since Columbus discovered it in the West Indies in 1493, it has been cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. Rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and the digestive enzyme bromelain, it is beloved as a highly nutritious fruit.
Trivia
- A dedicated map symbol exists for pineapples
- Takes about 3 years to produce one fruit
- Performs CAM photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 at night
- Written as 'feng li' in Taiwan and 'bo luo' in China
Uses
Ornamental
- Cultivated as houseplant
- Tropical garden decoration
- Interior plant
Medicinal
- Digestive promotion (bromelain enzyme)
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Immune system boost
Caution:
Excessive consumption may cause oral irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort
Other
- Fiber extraction from leaves (pineapple fiber)
- Industrial use of enzymes
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Generally harmless, but bromelain enzyme may cause oral irritation