December 30

Birth Flower

Firecracker Vine
Brazilian Firecracker Manettia

Scientific Name: Manettia inflata
Family: Rubiaceae

Flower Language

  • Pleasant conversation

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Manettia is a perennial climbing plant from the Rubiaceae family, native to Paraguay and Uruguay in South America. It was named after Saverio Manetti, the director of the Florence Botanical Garden in the 18th century. It was introduced to Japan during the Edo period and is now popular as an ornamental plant. The flowers are small, tubular, 2-3 cm long, with striking two-tone colors - deep orange petals with yellow tips. The way the flower tips curl back resembles someone chattering, which inspired the flower language meaning 'pleasant conversation'.

Trivia

  • Named after Saverio Manetti, director of Florence Botanical Garden in the 18th century
  • The flower language comes from the way the curved flower tips resemble someone chattering
  • About 100 species of Manettia genus are distributed in tropical America
  • One of the rare tropical plants introduced to Japan during the Edo period

Uses

Ornamental
  • Greenhouse pot cultivation
  • Vertical gardening utilizing climbing nature
  • Indoor houseplant
Medicinal

Caution: No confirmed medicinal uses

Culinary

Not for consumption

Other

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Gerbera
African Daisy Transvaal Daisy

Scientific Name: Gerbera jamesonii
Family: Asteraceae

Flower Language

  • Mysterious beauty
  • Hope
  • Noble beauty
  • Always positive
  • Ultimate beauty
  • Patience

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Gerbera is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family native to South Africa. Named after German naturalist Traugott Gerber who discovered it. It has been beloved in Japan since the Taisho era as a stylish, urban flower. The flower colors are extremely diverse including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, cream, and green, making it one of the most colorful flowers among cut flowers. With good keeping quality, it's frequently used in flower arrangements. Each color has different flower language meanings, all characteristically positive.

Trivia

  • Named after German naturalist Traugott Gerber
  • One of the most colorful flowers among cut flowers
  • Beloved in Japan since the Taisho era as a stylish flower
  • Perfect for gifts as flower meanings are all positive

Uses

Ornamental
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower arrangements
  • Potted plants
  • Garden bedding
Medicinal

Caution: Not commonly used for medicinal purposes

Culinary

Not for consumption

Other
  • Decorative purposes
  • Event decoration

Toxicity

Symptoms: No toxicity reported

Ananas
Pineapple Family Plants Bromeliad

Scientific Name: Ananas comosus
Family: Bromeliaceae

Flower Language

  • You are perfect
  • To store up

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Ananas is a general term for plants of the Ananas genus in the Bromeliaceae family. In horticulture, it broadly refers to ornamental plants in the pineapple family such as coral ananas and aechmea. The leaves have waxy coating or hairs, with some species having deep green or purple-red patterns, and some with metallic luster, making them very beautiful and important as houseplants. They tolerate poor lighting well, have neat growth habits, and are suitable for indoor gardening. Major cultivated varieties in Japan include Aechmea, Ananas, Cryptanthus, Neoregelia, and Tillandsia.

Trivia

  • The Bromeliaceae family contains about 3000 species
  • Many species grow as epiphytes in their natural habitat
  • Popular as interior plants due to their beautiful metallic leaf luster
  • Have unique structures that store water in leaf cups

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor houseplants
  • Greenhouse cultivation
  • Interior decoration
  • Botanical gardens
Medicinal

Caution: For ornamental use; not commonly used medicinally

Culinary

Ornamental varieties are not for consumption

Other
  • Air purification
  • Humidity regulation

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Mild

Toxic Parts: Leaves, Sap

Symptoms: May cause skin irritation

Flaming Katy
Christmas Kalanchoe Florist Kalanchoe

Scientific Name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Family: Crassulaceae

Flower Language

  • Tranquility
  • Trust and follow

Characteristics

Colors:

Description

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is an evergreen succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family, native to Madagascar. Also known by its common name Kalanchoe, it grows to 40-50cm in height. It has thick, glossy green leaves arranged oppositely with serrated edges. The fragrant flowers come in a rich variety of colors including scarlet, dark red, pink, orange, gold, and white. It blooms from autumn to early winter, though horticultural varieties may bloom year-round. Being succulent and drought-resistant, it's easy to grow indoors and popular as a houseplant.

Trivia

  • Called Christmas Kalanchoe due to its Christmas blooming period
  • Modern horticultural varieties were developed from Madagascar endemic species
  • Among succulents, it's particularly noted for beautiful, long-lasting flowers
  • As a short-day plant, flowering can be controlled by adjusting daylight hours

Uses

Ornamental
  • Indoor houseplants
  • Potted cultivation
  • Succulent collections
  • Gift plants
Medicinal

Caution: Avoid medicinal use due to toxicity

Culinary

Toxic - never consume

Other
  • Air purification
  • Indoor humidity regulation

Toxicity

Toxicity Level: Moderate

Toxic Parts: Entire plant, Especially leaves and flowers

Symptoms: May cause gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested; toxic to pets