Awamori-shōma or Astilbe japonica

Astilbe japonica

The birth flower for May 22 is

Location: Copilot
Location: Mt. TakaoMt. Takao 'mountain garden'
Location: Mt. TakaoMt. Takao 'mountain garden'

Flower name
Awamori-shōma or Astilbe japonica
Scientific name
Astilbe japonica
Alias泡盛升麻, アワモリソウ, 泡盛草
Place of originJapan
Place of floweringLow mountains, Potted flower
Flowering seasonMay, June, July
Language of flowers“Freedom,” “Delicacy,” “The arrival of love”

What is Awamori-shōma or Astilbe japonica

Birth flowers for May 22

The birth flower for May 22 is Astilbe japonica
A drop of flowers and poetry, one each day. From Kagiken's Flower Guide, we deliver words that bloom softly in your heart.
Aqua (Waterdrop Poetry), Copilot(Illustration), Editing & Translation: Mizuho @Kagiken.

Awamori-shōma(Astilbe japonica)、Copilot（画像）
Note: The Japanese text in the illustration has the same meaning as Aqua's water droplet poem.
Aqua is a water spirit.

When you're such a serious person, things can get tough sometimes, right?
When that happens, why not try making a cute friend like Shizuku(water drop) in your heart? ☺

💧Awa-mori-shouma’s birth flower:
“Like swaying deep in a quiet forest”

by Aqua

Deep in a quiet forest,
Just as the Awamori Shouma sways,
The friend in your heart,
Even if they say little,
Is always by your side,
Supporting you.

Awamori-shōma

Awamori-shōma(Astilbe japonica) is a perennial herb belonging to the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae), genus Astilbe. It is endemic to Japan.
It is also known by the alternate name Awamori-sō (泡盛草).
This plant naturally grows in gravelly areas of mountains in central Honshu and further south, including Shikoku and Kyushu.

The leaves are 2–3 times ternately compound, and the terminal leaflet is rhombic in shape.
The Japanese name was given because the many small white flowers bloom densely and resemble froth or bubbles. The plant also resembles Cimicifuga simplex (used in Chinese herbal medicine as “Shōma”), which belongs to a different family.

Origin of the Name
The genus name Astilbe is derived from Latin: a (not) + stilbe (brightness or brilliance), meaning “without brightness.”
The species name japonica means “of Japan,” referring to its place of origin.
The Japanese name “Awamori-shōma” (泡盛升麻): “Awamori” refers to the frothy appearance of the clustered small white flowers, and “Shōma” was borrowed because the flower spikes resemble those of Cimicifuga simplex.

Language of Flowers (Floriography)
“Freedom,” “Delicacy,” and “The Arrival of Love”

Common Name: Awamori-shōma (泡盛升麻)
Scientific Name: Astilbe japonica
Alternative Name: Awamori-sō (泡盛草)
English Name: Japanese Astilbe
Classification: APG Plant Classification System – Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Saxifragales, Family Saxifragaceae, Genus Astilbe
Growth Form: Perennial herb
Origin: Japan
Habitat: Central and southern Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu
Environment: Rocky areas along mountain valleys, garden cultivation
Height: 50–60 cm, Stem: Erect, stiff, multiple stems
Rhizome (underground stem): Medicinal (used for hemorrhoids)
Leaves: Basal, with petioles, hard and glossy, Leaf Shape: 2–3 times ternately compound
Leaflet Shape: Lanceolate with a cuneate base, terminal leaflet rhombic, Leaflet Size: 3–7 cm long, 1–2 cm wide, with serrations, alternate arrangement
Blooming Period: May to July, Inflorescence: Panicle, appears at the tip or axils of upper leaves
Flower Diameter: ~0.1 cm, Flower Color: White or pink, Corolla: Five-petaled, open flat, Petal Shape: Spoon-shaped
Stamens: 5, Pistils: 2, Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Color: Brown, Fruit Shape: Urn-shaped
Uses: Orna, mental wildflower, potted plant, garden or flowerbed decoration, cut flower

Related Page
Awamori-shōma or Astilbe japonica
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