Mt Takao is located at the borderline of warm-temperature zone and cool-temperature zone and various plants from both zones grow. There are a lot of naturally grown plants and their visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers. Over 1,500 kinds of plants are confirmed which is relevant to the number of kinds naturally grow in England. Also, over 60 kinds of plants are first found in Mt. Takao such as Takao Sumire (V. yezoensis f. discolor) and Takao Higodai (Saussurea sinuatoides).
Saprophytic plant (grow on leaf soils and grow with fungi to break down its nutrients), the entire plant is white without green leaves. Found in dark and wet broad-leaved forests with many fallen leaves in mountains. The Japanese name Gin-ryo-so literally meaning silver dragon plants was named because dropping flowers covered with scale leaves resembling dragons. Looks like a delicate glass objects but also called as Yurei-take literally meaning ghost mushrooms because flowers bloom in shady dark forests during rainy season. Flowers are tubular with three to five petals. The tip of stamen opens up and is slightly purplish. Fruits are berries (contain moisture when ripen) and smashed when stems fall down and pop seeds.
●Season Mid June to Late July
●Height about 5 to 8 cm
●Place Trail 3 and 4, Oku-Takao
●Season Mid June to Late July
●Height about 5 to 8 cm
●Place Trail 3 and 4, Oku-Takao