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Lotus

Lo·tus

noun

1. Any of a number of large water lilies, in particular.

2. (in Greek mythology) a legendary plant whose fruit induces a dreamy forgetfulness and an unwillingness to depart.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific Name: Nelumbo Nucifera

In Buddhism, the Lotus flower represents:

Patience

Purity

Mysticism 

Direct Spiritual Contact

Emptiness from Desire

Victory over Attachments

Enlightenment and the Bodhi State

Love and Compassion for all things

Self-Awareness

Faithfulness during Spiritual Development

Rising out of suffering

There are different types of Lotus. The Egyptian, Japanese, and the American Lotus flower.

India’s national flower is the Lotus.

According to a traditional story, the muddier and more opaque the water is, the more beautiful the Lotus flower becomes when it emerges and blooms.

Lotus can reach only 50 inches in height but can spread up to 10 feet in width.

The leaves of Lotus are shaped like a paddle which can reach up to 20 inches in length.

Some of the leaves are submerged while others float on the surface of water. The leaves are equipped with air pockets which helps maintain buoyancy.

Lotus is native to Asia, most predominantly in India and China.

Has been historically used for medicinal purposes, such as pain reliever and for alleviating muscle spasms.

In Egyptian mythology, the Lotus is associated with the sun because it opens during the day and closes by the night. The Lotus was even believed to have given birth to the sun.

Korea, Japan, and China all have Lotus festivals, celebrating the beauty of the flower.

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Gladiolus

Glad·i·o·lus

noun

An Old World plant of the iris family, with sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brightly colored flowers, popular in gardens and as a cut flower.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific Name: Gladiolus

Family: Iridaceae 

Order: Asparagales

Higher Classification: Ixieae

Lower Classifications: Abyssinian Gladiolus, Gladiolus Italicus, Robinetta, Gladiolus Hybridus, Gladiolus Palustris, Gladiolus Illyricus, Scarlet Gladiolus, Gladious Crassifolius, Gladiolus Angustus, and Gladiolus Pole-Evansii

Word Origin: Old English: Gladdon

Latin: Gladius

Middle English: Gladiolus

Meanings of Gladiolus are: strength of character

Faithfulness, sincerity, and integrity

Infatuation 

Never giving up

Red Gladiolus means love and passion.

Pink Gladiolus represents femininity and compassion motherly love.

White Gladiolus means innocence and purity.

Yellow Gladiolus means cheerfulness and compassion

and finally, Purple Gladiolus means charm, grace, and mysteriousness.

The ancient name for Gladiolus was Xiphium, meaning “sword” in Greek.

Gladiolus are associated with a 40th wedding anniversary.

Gladiolus are August’s birth flower.

The best time to plant Gladiolus is early spring and they bloom throughout July and August.

It’s large flowers attract bees, sunbirds, moths, flies, and wasps.

Gladiolus bulbs are referred to as corms.

The English used the plant’s stem base as a bandage and to extract thorns or splinters.

Corms can be powdered and mixed in with goat’s milk to help sooth symptoms of colic.

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Carnation

Car·na·tion

Noun

1. A double-flowered cultivated variety of clove pink, with gray-green leaves and showy pink, white, or red flowers.

2. A rosy pink color.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific name: Dianthus Caryophyllus 

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Order: Caryophyllales

Word Origin: Greek: Karyophullon

Arabic: Karanful

Late 16th century English: Carnation

Carnations come in different colors, but in general, they mean fascination and a woman’s love.

Pink Carnations means mother’s love.

Light Red Carnations represents admiration.

Dark Red Carnations means deep love and a woman’s affection.

White Carnations are a symbol of pure love and good luck.

Striped Carnations means regret and refusal.

Green Carnations are used for St. Patrick’s day.

Purple Carnations are capriciousness.

And finally, Yellow Carnations represents disappointment and dejection.

Along with snowdrops, Carnations are January’s birth flower.

Carnations are also Ohio’s state flower.

Historically, Greeks and Romans use Carnations in garlands.

Commonly referred by their scientific name, “Dianthus” was given its name by the Greek botanist, Theopharastus. Dianthus comes from two Greek words, “dios”, referring to the god Zeus, and “anthos” meaning flower. Because of this, Carnations are known as “The flower of God”.

Carnations are perennial plants, meaning that they can live more than 2 years. Cut carnations can remain fresh up to two weeks.

Carnations needs hours of full sun everyday and should be kept moist. They grow big and full blooms sits on top of strong, straight stems, and can reach up to 31 inches in height.

Overwatering this plant can cause the foliage to turn yellow.

Carnations petals are one of the secret ingredients used in making the French liqueur, Chartreuse since the 17th century.

In China, Carnation flower tea was used to help the body and spirit relax and to restore energy to the body.

Carnation tea can also help with inflammation, stress, endometriosis, muscle tension, reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps, constipation, and even insomnia.

After learning more about Carnations, I just realized that I gave Spencer stripped carnations, which means regret and refusal. It’s a good thing that he doesn’t know anything about flowers.

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Lavender

Lav·en·der

noun

1. A small aromatic evergreen shrub of the mint family, with narrow leaves and bluish-purple flowers. Lavender has been widely used in perfumery and medicine since ancient times.

2.  A pale blue color with a trace of mauve.

verb

1. Perfume with lavender

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific name: Lavandula

Family: Lamiaceae 

Higher classification: Nepetoideae

Lower classifications: English Lavender, French Lavender, Lavandin, Fernleaf Lavender, Lavandula Latifolia, and Lavandula Nimmoi

Word origin: Medieval Latin: Lavandula 

Anglo-Norman French: Lavendre

Middle English: Lavender

Meanings of lavender: Purity, silence, devotion, caution, serenity, grace, and calmness.

The color lavender is named after “lavandula angustifolia” which is the most widely cultivated flower species.

Lavender seeds germinate very slowly, taking 1-3 months to sprout.

Lavender was introduced to Britain by the Romans and was used medicinally in the Middle Ages.

Romans would use lavender to scent everything; their bathing water, bedding, and even their hair.

Lavender was used in England to help scent laundry and toilets.

In the 16th century, it was thought that lavender helped ward off bedbugs and was routinely sewn into the sheets. During the Black Plague, lavender and alcohol was taken as a way to ward off the disease. Bunches of lavender were sold in the streets to attempt to ease the smell of the dead and dying.

In ancient Egypt, lavender was used in the mummification process.

Queen Victoria was believed to have been a fan of lavender.

Queen Marie Antoinette decorated her royal palace with fragrant lavender.

Lavender can be used in smoothies. One recipe is:

- 1.5 oz spinach

- 1/2 cup of blueberries

- 1 tbsp of chia seeds

- 1/2 cup of ice cubs

- 1 cup of honeydew

- 1/4 tsp of lavender

- 11 ounces of coconut water

Lavender can also be used in cooking meats and sweets.

Drying lavender out only takes 2-3 weeks. Dried lavender can be used year long.

Some health benefits of lavender are:

- Increased sleep quality. Just add a few drops of lavender oil to your pillow.

- Inhaling lavender essential oil for 15 days has shown to reduce levels of anxiety.

- Combing thyme, rosemary, cedarwood, and lavender essential oils can help promote hair growth.

- If you have head lice, mix together lavender, tea tree, and coconut oil and massaged it into your hair and scalp and leave for two hours. Wash your hair as normal, and then with a nit comb, remove the nits and their eggs, then rinse and dry your hair as normal. Repeat as much as necessary.

- Adding drops of lavender to aloe vera gel and then applying to the skin can help ease sunburn pain.

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Dandelion

dan·de·li·on

noun

A widely distributed weed of the daisy family, with a rosette of leaves, bright yellow flowers followed by globular heads of seeds with downy tufts, and stems containing a milky latex.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific name: Taraxacum 

Family: Asteraceae

Higher classification: Daisy family

Lower classification: Common Dandelion, Taraxacum Erythrospermum, Taraxacum Platycarpum, Taraxacum Albidum, and Taraxacum Kok-Saghyz

Dandelions were once delicacies eaten by the Victorian gentry, mostly eaten in salads and sandwiches.

Dandelion wine is only made from the petals.

Its flower is bright yellow and sits on top of a 6-24 inch stalk.

Its name Dandelion is derived from the Medieval Latin phrase “dense lionis” which means lion’s tooth, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves. It was later referred to as “dent-de-lion” in French (which still means lion’s tooth), and then later transformed to Dandelion in Middle English.

Dandelions are photosensitive, meaning that they bloom with the sun in the morning and then close with the sunset in the evening.

One of Britain's most common weeds.

Grows mainly in North America and Europe but has been brought to other continents as well.

Some meanings relating to dandelions are:

- Healing from emotional pain and physical injury.

- Intelligence (especially in an emotional and spiritual sense)

- The warmth and power of the rising sun.

- Surviving through all challenges and difficulties.

- Long lasting happiness and youthful joy.

- Getting your wish fulfilled.

Many people believe that when you blow on the dandelions seeds then they carry out your dreams and wishes out to loved ones when you blow them into the air.

As stated before, dandelions can be used in both drinks and food. Some people even drink dandelion root tea to help with their digestive system.

Overall, these flowers commonly referred to as weeds are highly nutritious. 

Dandelion greens can be eaten either cooked or raw and has an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, E, and even some small amount of vitamin B.

They also provide iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Some health benefits in eating dandelions are:

- Help reduce blood sugar due to the chicoric and chlorogenic acid which are both found in dandelions.

- Help reduce cholesterol which may help decrease heart disease risk.

- Can help improve carbohydrate metabolism and reduce fat absorption which may lead to weight loss and maintenance. 

- Contain antimicrobial and antiviral properties which can help your body fight infections.

- Useful skincare treatment because dandelion leaf and flower extracts can protect against skin damage from sunlight, aging, and acne.

Overall, Dandelions are great and they deserve more.

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Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Su·san

noun

Any of a number of flowers that have yellowish petals and a dark center, in particular.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific name: Rudbeckia Hirta

Family: Asteraceae

Common names: brown-eyed susan, brown betty, gloriosa daisy, golden Jerusalem, English bull’s eye, poor-land daisy, and yellow ox-eye daisy

Traditionally symbolizes justice.

Maryland state flower, was designated as state flower on April 18, 1918.

Native to most of North America.

There are 90 different varieties of Black-eyed Susans.

Best known as Coneflowers because the center is cone-shaped and the petals bend downwards, thus accentuating the cone.

These flowers bloom from June to September.

Slivery Checkerspot butterflies lay eggs on Black-eyed Susans. It’s leaves are caterpillars basic source of food once it hatches.

“Rudbeckia” comes from Olaus Rudbeck who was a famous Swedish botanist.

Black-eyed Susans can be cultivated to prevent erosion of the soil.

Has a vase life of 10 days for cut flowers.

Native Americans use Black-eyed Susans to treat the common cold, flu, snake bites, various infections, swelling, and earache.

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Alstroemeria

al·stroe·me·ri·a

noun

A South American plant with showy lilylike flowers, often cultivated as an ornamental.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary) 

Genus Species: Alstroemeria aurantiaca

Family: Liliaceae

Common names: Peruvian Lliy, Lily of the Incas

Orignially from South America but was brought to Europe in the 18th century. Swedish botanist Baron Claus Von Alstromer was the one who found the flower and brought it to Europe which is why the flower is named after him.

Meanings for Alstroemeria are devotion, support, following your dream, survival, and friendship.

White Alstroemeria represents purity and spirituality.

Mostly used in weddings and other ceremonies

Symbol of pure friendship and love between two people

Yellow Alstroemeria are a symbol of energy, happiness, optimism, and joy

Used as a decorative piece in a home to project energy and optimism throughout the house.

Pink  Alstroemeria means romance, love, gentle feelings

Perfect for romantic partners

Orange  Alstroemeria represents positive energy and passion.

It brings freshness and positivity in a home

Can also awaken strong feelings in a person

Red  Alstroemeria means love, passion, and romance

Sends a message of love and faithfulness to the receiver 

And finally, purple Alstroemeria represents nobility, beauty, and royalty.

A flower for people who are unique, yet elegant and graceful

Some people are sensitive to Alstroemeria’s, causing them to get dermatitis when skin has had contact with the sap. However, the root is edible and its starch is very nutritious.

Alstroemeria’s are popular for having a long vase life. Cut stems can maintain their flower blooms for up to two weeks,

Flowers will wilt and fall from their stems one they’re finished blooming.

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Kaffir Lily

 Kaf·fir lil·y

noun

Either of two South African plants with straplike leaves and stems bearing a number of red, pink, or orange flowers.

(Definition provided by Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

Scientific name: Clivia Miniata

Plant family: Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

Other common names: Natal Lily, Bush Lily, Clivia, Fire Lily, and South Africa Lily)

Native to South Africa, Swaziland, and reports of it being seen in Mexico, Kaffir Lily’s often grow in damp, woodland habitats.

Kaffir Lily's grow very slowly, its first blood could take up to 2-3 years-- 5 years till it is fully mature. It’s blooming period is from February to May but older plants are able to bloom a second time in the summer or during autumn.

When it is grown outdoors, slugs and snails can destroy the leaves and flowers. In order to combat this problem, gardeners can use appropriate molluscicides or hand picked from regular inspections.

These flowers will last from a couple of days till a couple of weeks until they begin to wilt. When this happens you need to cut them out in order for new growth and others to bloom.

A Kaffir Lily can grow up to 18 inches tall with 10-20 trumpet shaped flowers (usually orange with a yellow center, or in some occasions, red, yellow, and sometimes even white). Its leaves are dark green, shiny, and very tough.

(Kaffir Lily starting to bloom)

Kaffir Lilies contains small amounts of lycorine (a toxic crystalline alkaloid), so ingesting large amounts of the flower or its leaves can be dangerous. Especially towards cats or dogs who like to nibble on plants.

That being said, Kaffir Lily rhizome can still be used as a remedy for snake bites or to relieve pain in general. There’s even been cases of the entire plant to be used to ease pregnancy and childbirth or just the leaves used to help induce labor and speed up the contractions. 

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Iris

i·ris

noun

A plant with sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers, typically purple, yellow, or white. Native to both Eurasia and North America, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental.

(Definition provided by the Oxford Pocket English Dictionary)

This flower was named after the Greek Goddess Iris who was a messenger to the gods and used rainbows to connect Olympus and Earth. The flowers were a part of her robe and veil from her dress. Ancient Greeks would even plant iris flowers on loved ones graves in hopes that the goddess would help lead them to heaven.

Along with being the birth flower for February and the national flower of France, Dried iris rhizomes (plant stems that send out roots and shoots from its nodes) are given to babies to help with teething.

In ancient times, iris’ were used in perfumes and medicine, but now iris essential oils are used for aromatherapy (which have been said to have a similar fragrance to Violets) and sedative medicines.

Some meanings that are linked to iris’ are: royalty, faith, wisdom, hope, and valor.

Purple Iris may be traditionally represented as royalty, but it also stands for wisdom, respect, and compliments. 

Blue Iris are symbolic of hope and faith.

Yellow Iris represents passion.

while finally, White Iris expresses purity and innocence.

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Magnolia

mag·no·lia 

noun

A tree or shrub with large, typically creamy-pink, waxy flowers. Magnolias are widely grown as ornamental trees. 

(definition provided by the Dictionary)

Different flowers have different meanings but for the Magnolia, one could conjure up even deeper meaning depending on its color. Overall, the Magnolia symbolizes beauty, feminine side (Yin), purity, and dignity. Called the “Queen of spring flowers”, Magnolia trees can grow up to 70 feet tall with its branches spreading out to 50 feet long. 

In China, this beautiful flower symbolizes strength and loyalty in love. If  a Magnolia tree was planted in front of a house it is believed that it invites pleasure and rest while also providing hopes of wealth. The Chinese and the Japanese both use the extract of the tree bark for medicinal reasons for 2000 years. Nowadays it’s mainly used in shampoos and the cosmetics industry. 

Yellow Magnolias represent happiness, joy, and friendship.

Pink Magnolias represent romance, love, and femininity 

Purple Magnolias represent spirituality, royalty, and feelings of dignity. 

Red Magnolias represents passion, love, and romance

and finally, White Magnolias represents purity, innocence, and spirituality.