Page 77 - FULL YAKAMA EBOOK

SHOBU

1. Hanakotoba= Good news, Glad tidings, Loyalty
2. Iris
3. a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plant
4. The inflorescences are in the shape of a fan and contain one or more
symmetrical six-lobed flowers. These grow on a pedicel or peduncle.
The three sepals, which are usually spreading or droop downwards, are
referred to as "falls". They expand from their narrow base (the "claw" or
"haft"), into a broader expanded portion ("limb" or "blade") and can be
adorned with veining, lines or dots. In the center of the blade, some of
the rhizomatous irises have a "beard" (a tuft of short upright extensions
growing in its midline), which are the plant's filaments.
5. Sweet Iris are traded as orris root and are used in perfume and medicine
6. The dried rhizomes are also given whole to babies to help in teething.
7. In water purification, yellow iris is often used.
8. Iris rhizomes can be toxic.
9. The aged rhizomes are steam-distilled which produces a thick oily compound, known in the perfume in-
dustry as "iris butter" or orris oil.

From left to right: Asami, Kame, Miki, Megumi, Nana, Chioku and Rei Yakama

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