Chinese Holly
Christmas Holly
Horned Holly
Scientific Name:
Ilex cornuta
Family:
Aquifoliaceae
Description
An evergreen tree in the Holly family, native to China. Known as Christmas Holly or Chinese Holly, it is prized for the beautiful contrast between its red berries and glossy green leaves, commonly used in Christmas wreaths and decorations. The leaves have sharp spines on their edges, and while it is dioecious, female plants can produce fruit through parthenocarpy without pollination. It flowers from April to May, with fruits ripening from November to February.
Trivia
- Completely different plant from Osmanthus holly despite the similar name
- Has the rare ability for female plants to produce fruit without pollination
- A standard design element in Christmas cards and wreaths
- The Chinese name '枸骨' derives from leaves resembling dog bones
Uses
Ornamental
- Christmas wreaths and decorations
- Garden tree planting
- Cut branches for flower arrangements
Medicinal
Caution:
Berries are for ornamental purposes and not edible
Other
- Flower arrangements
- Bonsai cultivation
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
berries
Symptoms:
Berries may cause digestive upset and are not edible
Sasanqua Camellia
Sasanqua
Tea of Heaven
Scientific Name:
Camellia sasanqua
Family:
Theaceae
Flower Language
-
devoted love
-
modesty
-
charm
-
eternal love
Description
A broadleaf evergreen tree in the Camellia family, endemic to Japan. It produces flowers similar to camellias in pink and white, with an enormous number of horticultural varieties. It blooms large 5-petaled flowers 5-8cm in diameter from October to December during the cold season. Growing 5-10m tall, it earns positive flower meanings from its ability to produce bright flowers during cold winter when other plants wither. Japan has many temples famous for their beautiful sasanqua displays.
Trivia
- Featured in the Japanese children's song 'Takibi' (Bonfire)
- Name derives from Chinese 'shancha' (mountain tea)
- Differs from camellia in that petals fall individually rather than as whole flowers
- Famous sasanqua temples and scenic spots scattered throughout Japan
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden tree planting
- Use in flower arrangements and tea ceremony
- Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
- Dried flowers and leaves used for medicinal tea
- Believed effective for cough relief and fever reduction
Caution:
No particular cautions, but avoid excessive consumption
Other
- Seeds used to extract oil as camellia oil substitute
- Wood used for tool making
Toxicity
Symptoms:
Non-toxic and safe
Sacred Bamboo
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina
Scientific Name:
Nandina domestica
Family:
Berberidaceae
Flower Language
-
bringing good fortune
-
happy family
-
my love grows stronger
-
love too deep
Description
A monotypic evergreen shrub in the Berberidaceae family, native to China. It produces white flowers from June to July and red berries from November to December. The name 'Nanten' can be written with characters meaning 'turning difficulties,' making it an auspicious plant believed to transform misfortune into good luck. During New Year, arrangements combining nanten berries with Adonis flowers symbolize 'turning difficulties into blessings.'
Trivia
- The scientific name 'Nandina' originates from the Japanese word 'Nanten'
- Considered auspicious due to wordplay meaning 'turning difficulties into blessings'
- Traditional belief that planting near toilets wards off evil
- Interesting property that red berries are harmless to birds but toxic to humans
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden shrub planting
- New Year decorations
- Bonsai cultivation
Medicinal
- Dried stem and roots used for cough relief and fever reduction
- Used as herbal medicine called 'Sansho'
Caution:
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Berries are toxic and not edible
Other
- Used as protective amulets
- Berries used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
berries, leaves
Symptoms:
Ingestion of berries may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory difficulties
Poinsettia
Christmas Star
Mexican Flame Leaf
Scientific Name:
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Flower Language
-
beloved person
-
praying for your blessing
-
purity
Characteristics
Colors:
white
Description
A plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Mexico. Introduced to Japan during the Meiji era, known in Japanese as 'Shojoboku' (猩々木). White poinsettias, like their red counterparts, are used for Christmas decorations and carry flower meanings of 'beloved person,' 'praying for your blessing,' and 'purity.' Symbolizing the white in Christmas colors, it represents purity and sanctity. Its use dates back to 17th century when Mexican Franciscan monks used it in Christmas processions.
Trivia
- The colorful parts we see are actually modified leaves (bracts), not flowers
- Named 'Poinsettia' after Joel Poinsett, first US ambassador to Mexico who introduced it
- White varieties were developed through breeding from red varieties
- December 12th is designated as 'Poinsettia Day'
Uses
Ornamental
- Christmas decorative potted plants
- Indoor decoration use
- Popular as gift plants
Medicinal
Caution:
Sap may cause skin irritation. Not edible
Other
- Flower arrangements
- Wedding decorations (white varieties)
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
leaves, stems, sap
Symptoms:
Contact with sap may cause skin irritation or eye inflammation
Chinese Lantern
Winter Cherry
Ground Cherry
Scientific Name:
Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
natural beauty
-
peace of mind
-
deception
Description
A perennial herb in the Solanaceae family that produces small white or pale yellow flowers from June to July, with ornamental orange balloon-like calyxes containing fruits from August to September. 'Physalis' derives from Greek meaning 'bubble,' referring to the inflated fruits. In Japanese Buddhist traditions during Bon festival, the enclosed fruits are likened to lanterns guiding ancestral spirits and are displayed with branches on spirit altars. While used medicinally for cough relief and fever reduction, it's contraindicated during pregnancy.
Trivia
- The Sensoji Temple Hozuki market is a traditional event continuing since the Edo period
- The play of making sounds with the inflated calyxes in the mouth has been enjoyed since ancient times
- In the Edo period, it was sometimes misused as an abortifacient
- Has ancient names like 'Kagachi' (輝血) and 'Nukazuki' (奴加豆支)
Uses
Ornamental
- Bon festival spirit altar decorations
- Used as dried flowers
- Popular for autumn decorations
Medicinal
- Dried roots used for cough relief
- Believed to have fever-reducing properties
- Used as herbal medicine called 'Sansho'
Caution:
Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy due to uterine contraction effects
Other
- Used as children's toys to make sounds with the inflated calyxes
- Fruits used as natural dye
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Moderate
Toxic Parts:
whole plant, especially roots
Symptoms:
Risk of miscarriage if consumed during pregnancy due to uterine contraction effects