A Rose by Any Other Name... Could be a Syndrome

Light humor today after a funny discussion with my sister. We can’t help but associate the names of certain flowers with diseases. It’s just too easy.


Creeping Phlox- It itches, it spreads, it could be an STD. Enough said.


Genistra- Something only your gynecologist could know. I think it develops from acute untreated Creeping Phlox.


Gloxinia-Toxic levels of something in the blood stream. May cause black outs.


Scabiosa- Definitely a skin condition. Please don’t pick at it.


Ranunculus- One of those long lasting bronchial afflictions.


Tritoma- Definitely a terminal condition. Whatever it is.



I would not be stretching things to say that there are also flower names that sound like medications as well.

Viburnum- Related to valium. Makes you feel happy and see colors.


Cyclamen- Definitely an antibiotic. Used to treat Genistra.


Eglantine- Relieves coughing associated with Ranunculus when taken orally. Might even be a nice topical relief ointment for that phlox case you’ve got.

Guess it’s no accident that many medications are derived from plants…