TAKAO 599 MUSEUM

Treasures of Mt. Takao

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).

Aristolochia kaempferi
Aristolochia kaempferi Aristolochiaceae
Vines grow in forests in mountains. Twine adjacent plant and bloom sax-shaped unique flowers. Fruits resemble aristolochia debilis and have large leaves, hence the Japanese name Oobano-umanosuzukusa literally meaning large leaves aristolochia debilis. Flowers are yellow, tubular sepals and no petals have purple stripe patterns inside. Leaves are wide, 8 to 15 cm long, heart shaped, thick texture and whitish on the back. Have hair on both sides but the one on the surface disappear as they grow. Is poisonous but caterpillars of Chinese windmill feed on the leaves in order to intake the poison to protect themselves from enemies. In autumn, fruits ripen to black and have full of seeds inside.

●Season Early May to Late May
●Height Vines
●Place Kita-Takao
※Quotation from Mount Takao formula application
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