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 Higotai (Saussurea sinuatoides).
Perennials herbs found on wet streamside rocks. One or Two large leaves appear at the base of the plants and Japanese name Iwa-Tabako literally meaning rocks tabacco was named because the shape of leaves resemble tabacco leaves. Flowers are star-shaped about 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter with corolla tube. Bloom light purple flowers and white center with orange mottling. Flower stalks grow between leaves and bloom two or three flowers. Leaves are about 10 to 30 cm egg-like oval-shaped with irregularly toothed margins. Soft and crape like wrinkles on surface of leaves. In winter, leaves wrap fruits to protect them from cold weather. Young leaves from April to about June are edible, boiled or deep fried or even fresh and have slight sticky and bitter taste.
●Season Late July to about Mid-August
●Height about 10 to 30 cm
●Places Trail 6, Jyataki
●Season Late July to about Mid-August
●Height about 10 to 30 cm
●Places Trail 6, Jyataki