Page 78 - FULL YAKAMA EBOOK

SUIREN
1. Hanakotoba= Far from the one you love (Respect)
2. Lotus
3. reach heights of 5–80 cm depending on the species. Dwarf species
such as N. asturiensis have a maximum height of 5–8 cm, while
Narcissus tazetta may grow as tall as 80 cm. The plants are scap-
ose, having a single central leafless hollow flower stem (scape).
Several green or blue-green, narrow, strap-shaped leaves arise from
the bulb. The plant stem usually bears a solitary flower, but occa-
sionally a cluster of flowers (umbel)
4. The flowers, which are usually conspicuous and white or yellow,
sometimes both or rarely green, consist of a perianth of three parts.
They have six pollen bearing stamens surrounding a central style.
5. Most species are dormant from summer to late winter, flowering in the spring, though a few species are
autumn flowering.
6. Each bulb unit has a life of about four years.
7. Once the leaves die back in summer, the roots also wither. After some years, the roots shorten pulling the
bulbs deeper into the ground.
8. Up to 60 layers have been counted in some wild species. While the plant appears dormant above the
ground the flower stalk which will start to grow in the following spring, develops within the bulb sur-
rounded by two to three deciduous leaves and their sheaths.
9. The single leafless stem or scape, appearing from early to late spring depending on the species, bears from
1 to 20 blooms.
10. The leaves are flat and broad to cylindrical at the base and arise from the bulb. The emerging plant gener-
ally has two leaves, but the mature plant usually three, rarely four, and they are covered with a cutin con-
taining cuticle, giving them a waxy appearance.
11. After flowering the leaves turn yellow and die back once the seed pod (fruit) is ripe.
12. Many cases of poisoning or death have occurred when narcissi bulbs have been mistaken for leeks or on-
ions and cooked and eaten. Recovery is usually complete in a few hours without any specific intervention.
In more severe cases involving ingestion of large quantities of bulbs, activated carbon, salts and laxatives
may be required, and for severe symptoms intravenous atropine and emetics or stomach pumping may be
indicated. However, ingestion of large quantities accidentally is unusual because of a strong unpleasant
taste.
13. Despite the lethal potential of Narcissus alkaloids, they have been used for centuries as traditional medi-
cines for a variety of complaints including the application to wounds, strains, painful joints and various
local ailments as an ointment called 'Narcissimum'. Powdered flowers have also been used medically, as
an emetic, a decongestant and for the relief of dysentery, in the form of a syrup or infusion. As an antispas-
modic, the oil for baldness and also an aphrodisiac. recommended pounding the roots in honey for use on
burns, bruises, dislocations and freckles, and for drawing out thorns and splinters.

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