Flower of the Week / 今週のお花

Ranunculus

The Latin name ranunculus means "little frog". They originated in the The Middle East, hence their alternative name "Turban Buttercup".

In fairy tales frogs are apt to change into princes and it was an Asian prince in just such a story who gave his name to this flower, which grows naturally in swampy ground. The prince was so good-looking that he was loved by everyone. He also had a beautiful voice but this was his undoing. He loved the open country and sang delightful songs in the presence of nymphs. He did not have the courage to declare his love to them and this haunted him so much that he died. After his death he was changed into the flower with delicate tissuey petals which bears his name.

The ranuculus meant "you are rich in attractions" to the Victorians.

ラヌンクルス

英語でバターカップと総称されるキンポウゲ科の花々。近似種が大変多く、約400種類（全世界では約1500種類）あります。同じところに複数の類似種が咲くことがあるので、細かい種の特定が難しい。
 

主に小さな黄色の花で、その光沢のある花弁の色がバターを連想させることから、独語ではブターブルーメ（バターの花）Butterblume ともいわれます。湿度のある森や草原、小川のそばなど、カエルがいるような所によく咲いているので、“小さなカエル”を意味するラテン語のラナRanaに学名ラヌンクルスは由来。スイスではタンポポの後に咲き、同じく黄色のカーペットのように群生する花として一般的です。