SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

ORCHID is part of “Orchidaceae” family. “Orchid” in Greek names as orchis which means testicles. An­ciently, orchids synonymous with man, good color, shape and even its structure. Orchids also symbolizes fertility and virility. Previously it was thought if one consumes young or­chid, then can have a baby boy and if taking the old orchid will give birth to a baby girl but in this myth does not mention the meaning of this con­sumption which is eaten as food or just enjoy the beauty of the flowers.

Indonesia is famous all over the world with a fortune of orchid flow­ers. More than 4000 species of or­chids scattered in almost every ma­jor island in the archipelago. The most famous orchid in Indonesia is Phalaenopsis Amabilis which was appointed as “National Flower” and having a nickname as “Charming Flower” and the other one is “Bag Orchid” or Phapiopedium javani­cum.

DAHLIA is originally from Mexi­co. Dahlia belongs to the Asteraceae family and has 30 species spread throughout the world. Dahlia bloom during the summer until autumn and belongs to the shrubs having the bulbous with annual nature. Named as Dahlia due to honor the Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl since the 18th century. In addition to ornamental plants, Dahlia is also very good for health and food supplies. Dahlia tu­bers contain 3.8% inulin. Inulin in dahlia tubers introduced by Lukman Hakim, the head of LIPI on the 159th Anniversary of Cibodas Botanical Gardens, 11 April 2011.

The function of inulin is to lower high blood pr e s ­sure and to prevent excess choles­terol. Additionally useful as a pre­biotic that is useful as a substrate microflora which is very beneficial for our colon. Dahlia can be used as instant milk for children or adults to seniors. Inulin contained in instant milk is useful to increase the absorp­tion of calcium by the body to sup­port the growth of bones and teeth of children and to prevent bone loss in adults and the elderly. In addition to be instant milk, inulin also can be used as a substitute for sugar and fat in food products low in calories and also as a raw material for fructose syrup.

BOUGENVILLE or Bougainvillea by its scientific name is a plant that is popular as an ornamental plant, because its beauty colors that are striking and varied. Plants of South American origin was taken from the name of the French Navy soldier, Sir Louis Antoine Bougainville. This paper flower other than as an orna­mental plant, it contains polyphe­nols and saponins in its stems, leaves and flowers that are useful as a drug when having irregular period or late period, pain and severe bleeding during period, a s well as to treat white blood and as a refresh­ing for our body.