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The Windflower (Anemone coronaria) belongs to Ranunculaceae (the Buttercup family). It is a perennial herb that is native to the coastal area of Mediterranean Sea. This herb can reach 30-40 cm in height. The leaves are divided into frond palmately. The common name is named for the seeds with long hairs which are carried on the wind. Blue, red, white or pink flowers come on the long stalks from May to August. The sepals look like petals.
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The anemone is said to have sprung from the earth, which was stained with the blood of the beautiful boy Adonis. The anemone flower is said to have sprouted from a slender blade of grass, which grew tall and strong, and eventually bloomed a crimson flower. The flower was as lovely as Adonis himself, but the petals were short-lived and scattered at the breath of the wind (anemos). It was named the "anemone" (wind flower) after its ephemeral nature. Adonis was a boy loved by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, but Aphrodite was saddened by the boy's short life, and wept as she followed the flower's whereabouts. It is said that even her tears turned into flowers, and became roses. (comment by Yumi Gunji)
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