Euryops Daisy
Grey-leaved Euryops
Golden Euryops
Golden Shrub Daisy
Golden Daisy Bush
Scientific Name:
Euryops pectinatus
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Harmony
-
Marital Harmony
-
Bright Love
Description
The plant has silvery-gray leaves and stems covered in soft white hairs, giving it a distinctive silvery appearance. It produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom for extended periods from late autumn through spring when few other flowers are available. This hardy, disease-resistant plant grows 50-150cm tall and 40-120cm wide, and with proper conditions, it can bloom almost year-round except during the hottest summer months.
Trivia
- Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit
- The species name 'pectinatus' means 'comb-like', referring to the divided leaves
- Known as the 'eternal flower' due to its evergreen nature and continuous blooming
- Originates from rocky sandstone slopes in South Africa, making it extremely drought-tolerant
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flower arrangements
- Garden borders and mixed perennial backdrops
- Container gardening and potted displays
Medicinal
Caution:
No documented medicinal uses
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Pollinator garden plant attracting bees and butterflies
- Deer-resistant landscaping plant
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxic effects reported
Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena
Globe Flower
Bachelor Button
Scientific Name:
Gomphrena globosa
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Flower Language
-
Unfading Love
-
Unchanging Love
-
Eternal Life
-
Maiden's Sincerity
Description
This plant has been traditionally used as Buddhist altar flowers in Japan. While the name suggests blooming for a thousand days, it does have an exceptionally long flowering period from summer through autumn. The globe-shaped 'flowers' are actually colorful bracts (modified leaves) in shades of red, pink, white, orange, and purple. These bracts are 2-3cm in diameter and resemble slightly flattened pinecones. The plant is heat and drought tolerant, easy to grow, and the cut flowers can last over a month, making them excellent for dried arrangements.
Trivia
- Despite the name suggesting 1000 days, it actually blooms for about 6 months from May to November
- Introduced to Japan in the early Edo period (17th century) with rich historical significance
- The Aztecs mixed it with vanilla to create a strength-giving beverage
- Remains one of the most popular 'everlasting flowers' worldwide for dried arrangements
Uses
Ornamental
- Fresh cut flower arrangements
- Dried flower crafts and decorations
- Garden beds and container plantings
Medicinal
- Antibacterial properties
- Traditional detoxifying herb
- Used for blood pressure and blood sugar regulation
Caution:
Medicinal use should be under professional guidance
Culinary
- Flowers (bracts)
- Young leaves
Other
- Natural dye production
- Fragrance industry applications
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Caution needed with large consumption
Symptoms:
Generally safe, but large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Cattleya
Cattleya Orchid
Queen of Orchids
Corsage Orchid
Scientific Name:
Cattleya spp.
Family:
Orchidaceae
Flower Language
-
Graceful Woman
-
Elegant Lady
-
Mature Adult Charm
Characteristics
Colors:
Purple
Description
This drought-resistant plant has thick leaves and pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients. It features dramatically spreading petals and a beautiful central labellum (lip), with many varieties offering delightful fragrance in addition to visual beauty. Purple cattleyas possess a particularly mysterious atmosphere combined with elegance and sophistication. Along with Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium, it ranks among the four major tropical orchids.
Trivia
- Named after William Cattley, the first person to successfully cultivate and bloom this genus
- The 1818 first successful flowering in England remains a legendary moment in horticultural history
- In China, valued as symbols of wealth, good fortune, and fertility
- In Hawaii, holds special significance as lei (garland) material
Uses
Ornamental
- Corsages and boutonnieres
- Wedding bouquets
- Luxury floral arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
No documented medicinal uses
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Perfume industry applications
- Premium horticultural cultivation
- Orchid shows and competitions
Toxicity
Symptoms:
No toxic effects reported
Plane Tree
Sycamore
Oriental Plane
London Plane
Scientific Name:
Platanus orientalis
Family:
Platanaceae
Description
This large deciduous broadleaf tree grows 10-30 meters tall, characterized by large palmate leaves divided into 3-7 lobes, reaching 20-25cm in diameter. It blooms in spring with pale yellow-green male flowers (about 1cm diameter) and reddish female flowers (about 1.5cm diameter). Its large deciduous leaves provide summer shade while allowing winter sunlight, combined with pest resistance, make it ideal for street planting. It ranks among the world's four major street trees alongside elm, linden, and horse chestnut, being the most popular street tree globally.
Trivia
- Possibly connected to Plato's name etymology (platys = broad)
- The Tree of Hippocrates on Kos island is a 2,400-year-old giant plane tree
- Famous as street trees on Paris's Champs-Élysées
- Japanese name 'Suzukake-no-ki' comes from fruits resembling mountain priest's bells
Uses
Ornamental
- Most common as street trees
- Landscape trees in parks and gardens
- Shade trees for urban environments
Medicinal
- Anti-inflammatory properties of bark
- Antibacterial effects of leaves
- Healing properties of tree sap
Caution:
Traditional uses from ancient times, but modern medical efficacy unconfirmed
Culinary
Not suitable for consumption
Other
- Timber for furniture making
- Urban air purification
- Noise reduction benefits
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Pollen, Young hairs
Symptoms:
May cause pollen allergies or skin irritation