December 27

Birth Flower

Holly Olive
False Holly Osmanthus

Scientific Name: Osmanthus heterophyllus
Family: Oleaceae

Flower Language

  • foresight
  • cautiousness
  • protection

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

A small evergreen tree native to the warm mountainous regions of Japan and Taiwan, growing 4-8 meters tall. It produces small white flowers densely clustered in leaf axils from October to December, with a sweet fragrance similar to Osmanthus fragrans. Young trees have sharp spines on their leaves, which become rounded with age. Since the Heian period, it has been used as a protective charm called 'hiiragi-iwashi' during Setsubun, and is still commonly planted at entrances and garden gates.

Trivia

  • The flower language 'foresight' comes from the fact that thorns become rounded with age
  • Different from Western holly, belonging to the Oleaceae family rather than Aquifoliaceae
  • Valuable for blooming fragrant flowers during the winter when few other plants are flowering
  • Commonly planted at samurai residences during the Edo period to ward off evil from the northeast direction

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden tree planting
  • Hedge cultivation
  • Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
  • Traditional use of bark decoction in folk medicine
  • Believed to have antibacterial properties

Caution: Medical efficacy is not scientifically proven, not recommended for medical purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Protective decoration
  • Setsubun festival ornament

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: leaves, bark

Symptoms: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities

Lion's Ear
Wild Dagga Lion's Tail

Scientific Name: Leonotis leonurus
Family: Lamiaceae

Flower Language

  • magnificence

Characteristics

Colors: orange

Description

A perennial herb from the Lamiaceae family native to South Africa, blooming elongated tubular orange or white flowers in whorled clusters around the stem from October to December. The scientific name Leonotis derives from Greek words meaning 'lion's ear,' referring to the shape of the flower corona. It is cold-hardy and can overwinter outdoors west of the Kanto region, and is popular as a cut flower.

Trivia

  • Called 'Lion's Ear' due to the flower's resemblance to lion ears
  • Despite being in the mint family, it looks very different from common mint plants
  • Excellent as cut flowers with good vase life and suitable for drying
  • Known as 'Wild Dagga' in South Africa with traditional uses

Uses

Ornamental
  • Garden ornamental planting
  • Cut flower arrangements
  • Dried flower crafts
Medicinal
  • Traditional medicinal use in South Africa
  • Believed to have sedative properties

Caution: Medical efficacy is not well-researched, not recommended for medical purposes

Culinary

Generally not used for culinary purposes

Other
  • Garden decoration
  • Flower arrangements

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: whole plant

Symptoms: May cause mild digestive symptoms if consumed in large quantities

Japanese Ardisia
Marlberry Ten-ryo

Scientific Name: Ardisia japonica
Family: Primulaceae

Flower Language

  • tomorrow's happiness
  • abundant love

Characteristics

Colors: white

Description

A small evergreen shrub native to Japan and East Asia, growing 10-30cm tall. It blooms small white flowers around July and produces red berries 5-6mm in diameter during winter. During the Edo period, it was beloved as 'Ten-ryo' and became extremely popular as a New Year's good luck charm. It remains cherished today as one of the auspicious plants with 'ryo' in their names, alongside Man-ryo, Sen-ryo, and Hyaku-ryo.

Trivia

  • Part of the Edo period 'ryo' plant boom including Man-ryo, Sen-ryo, Hyaku-ryo, and Ten-ryo
  • Now classified in Primulaceae but was previously in its own family Myrsinaceae
  • Beautiful red berries provide valuable winter color in gardens
  • The name 'Ten-ryo' represents monetary value, symbolizing good fortune

Uses

Ornamental
  • New Year decorations
  • Garden groundcover planting
  • Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
  • Traditional use of roots in folk medicine
  • Believed to have hemostatic properties

Caution: Medical efficacy is not scientifically proven, not recommended for medical purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Lucky charm decorations
  • Flower arrangements

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: berries, whole plant

Symptoms: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort if berries are consumed in large quantities

Lady's Slipper Orchid
Paphiopedilum Venus Slipper

Scientific Name: Paphiopedilum spp.
Family: Orchidaceae

Flower Language

  • thoughtfulness
  • elegant attire
  • unique perspective

Characteristics

Colors: various colors

Description

An orchid native to Southeast Asia, China, and India, with approximately 60-120 species distributed in the wild. Its most distinctive feature is the large, pouch-like lip that resembles a lady's slipper, hence the common name 'Lady's Slipper Orchid.' The scientific name Paphiopedilum combines Greek words meaning 'Venus' and 'slipper.' The flowers bloom for extended periods and are relatively easy to cultivate, making them popular as beginner orchids.

Trivia

  • Called 'Lady's Slipper' due to the flower's resemblance to a woman's shoe
  • Individual flowers can bloom for 1-3 months, making them long-lasting
  • Many species are protected under CITES, with restricted trade of wild specimens
  • In 19th century Europe, 'orchid hunters' risked their lives to collect these plants

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor pot cultivation
  • Greenhouse displays
  • Flower arrangements
Medicinal
  • Some species used in traditional medicine, but not common

Caution: Treat as ornamental plants only, not recommended for medical purposes

Culinary

Not suitable for consumption

Other
  • Horticultural collections
  • Breeding material

Toxicity

Symptoms: No specific toxicity reported, but recommended to treat as ornamental only