Botan-iro

The deep reddish purple seen when the petals of peony flowers overlap. The peony is also known by other names, such as "Kao" (king of flowers), "Kashin" (flower god), and "Fukigusa" (plant of wealth and honor). It is also highly valued for medicinal use. Its scientific name, Paeonia, comes from Paeon, the god of medicine in Greek mythology, and it is the national flower of China. Masaoka Shiki's haiku "A single peony shining in my sickroom" may carry a wish that a future as bright as a peony would one day come. "Standing, she is a herbaceous peony; seated, a tree peony; walking, a lily" is a saying that describes a beautiful woman. Kurabe-botan refers to peony flowers blooming as if competing in beauty, and it is also used to describe glamorous women competing in beauty.