How do you read this? Check your general knowledge with a kanji reading quiz about flowers!

dandelion

The dandelion is one of the representative flowers of spring and is loved by many people. Although the kanji form is hard to read, the name actually originates from Chinese, while in Japan it has long been called “tanpopo.” The character 蒲 refers to cattails, and 公英 is said to be a term expressing the beauty of the flower; it is believed that a name given in ancient China was passed down to Japan.

Chinese lantern plant

Hozuki (Japanese lantern plant) is characterized by its pale red, pouch-like husks seen in summer, with small fruits inside. The kanji used for its name came about because its shape resembles the lantern carried by an oni (demon). It is cherished not only as an ornamental plant, but also as a decoration for Obon and as a familiar symbol of summer festivals.

Sunflower

The kanji 向日葵 is read as “himawari,” meaning sunflower. 向日 (kōjitsu) means “facing the sun,” and 葵 (aoi) is the name of a plant. Sunflowers have the characteristic of turning their blossoms to follow the movement of the sun, which is why they were named 向日葵. They are especially iconic summer flowers, and their large, bright yellow blooms give them a cheerful, energetic image, making them very beloved in Japan.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)

It is an evergreen shrub in the tea family that is characterized by bearing beautiful red, white, or pink flowers in winter. The name derives from the Chinese term “shānchá,” and because its blooming season and appearance resemble those of the camellia (tsubaki), it is also called the “winter camellia.” It is a flower beloved in Japan, even featured in the lyrics of the children’s song Takibi (“Bonfire”).

rabbit-ear iris

It is a plant in the iris family that blooms with large blue-violet flowers by the water in early summer, especially from May to June. The name “kakitsubata” (杜若) has been celebrated in many classical waka and haiku poems since ancient times, making it well known as a seasonal symbol. It is sometimes confused with ayame and hanashōbu, but they differ in petal patterns and preferred growing environments. In the name 杜若, 杜 can mean “grove” or “shrine,” and 若 is used as in “young leaves,” so the name also conveys the beauty of nature and a sense of youthful freshness.

morning glory

Kenjoka is another name for the morning glory. It is said to have been called that because, long ago, after the plant was brought over from China, a man who was cured by taking morning glory seeds went to offer thanks to the plant, leading a cow with him. Also, because morning glories bloom around the time of Tanabata, they were known in the Edo period as an auspicious flower signifying that Orihime and Hikoboshi were able to meet.

Gentian

Gentians are beautiful bluish-purple flowers that mainly bloom in autumn and have long been cherished in Japan for ornamental purposes. The root of the gentian is extremely bitter and has therefore been used as a crude medicinal ingredient. The origin of the kanji comes from China, where the plant’s root was said to be as bitter as a “dragon’s gall,” which led to the name 竜胆 (ryūtan).