Papilio machaon

Papilio machaon, the Old World swallowtail, is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. It is also known as the common yellow swallowtail or simply the swallowtail. It is the type species of the genus Papilio. This widespread species occurs throughout much of the Palearctic region. The species is named after Machaon, a figure in Greek mythology and a son of Asclepius mentioned in the works of Homer. The larva initially resembles a bird dropping, which serves as an effective camouflage against predators. As it grows, the caterpillar becomes green with black and orange markings. Its defensive mechanism includes an osmeterium: a pair of retractable, fleshy projections behind the head that release a foul‑smelling secretion when disturbed, deterring potential predators.

Chelidonium majus

Chelidonium majus subsp. grandiflorum, commonly known as greater celandine, is a plant in the family Papaveraceae, native to Siberia, China, and Korea. The vernacular name celandine derives from Late Latin celidonia, from earlier Latin chelidonia or chelidonium, and ultimately from Ancient Greek chelidon (“swallow”); hence the common name swallowwort. In the grandiflorum subspecies, the flowers are larger than in the nominate subspecies, which reflects the meaning of the epithet grandiflorum (“large‑flowered”). Historically, the plant has been applied in folk medicine as a topical remedy for warts.

Chamaenerion angustifolium

Chamaenerion angustifolium is a plant in the family Onagraceae, native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It goes by several common names: fireweed in North America, great willowherb in parts of Canada, rosebay willowherb in Britain and Ireland. The generic name Chamaenerion comes from the Greek chamai (“low to the ground” or “dwarf”) and nerion (“oleander”), evoking the image of a dwarf oleander. This is complemented by the Latin specific epithet angustifolium (“narrow‑leaved”). The common name fireweed derives from the species’ propensity to colonize burnt sites following forest fires. In Russia, the leaves have traditionally been used to prepare an herbal infusion known as Ivan‑Chai (“Ivan‑Tea”). The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Bench

“There are stories in everything. I’ve got some of my best yarns from park benches, lampposts, and newspaper stands.”
— O. Henry

Vicia amoena

Vicia amoena, commonly known as lovely vetch, is a plant in the family Fabaceae, widely distributed in Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. The generic name Vicia means “binder” in Latin; this term was used by Pliny the Elder to denote vetch. The specific epithet amoena means “pleasant” or “charming” in Latin, alluding to the plant’s appearance. In Korea, the young leaves and shoots are consumed as namul, a traditional side dish.

Rosa davurica

Rosa davurica, commonly known as Amur rose, is a plant in the family Rosaceae, native to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, Korea, Sakhalin, and Japan. The specific epithet davurica is a geographical descriptor derived from Dauria, a historical region in Siberia where the species is naturally found. The fruit of Rosa davurica, referred to as Cimeiguo in Chinese, is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, notably vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds. It also contains essential fatty acids — a feature not typical for fruits.

Iris humilis

Iris humilis, commonly known as sand iris, low iris, or yellow iris, is a plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. The Latin specific epithet humilis (“low‑growing”) refers to its compact stature. Iris humilis is very similar in form to Iris mandshurica, but it is a shorter species. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. The rhizomes are used in Tibetan herbal medicine.