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).

Gnaphalium affine
Gnaphalium affine Compositae
Perennial herbs (grow for several years from their same root system) found at paddy fields, riverbanks and roadside. Bloom from spring to summer but some continue to bloom in autumn. In Mt. Takao, found in sunny forest trails. Is one of seven spring herbs and another name is Gogyo (or Ogyo). A bitter taste of sprout is an essential herb for rice porridge called Nanakusa-gayu (literally meaning seven herbs rice porridge). Was also used for making mochi sweets but after mugwort with wonderful perfume and texture is used instead, people start to use mugwort more often for mochi making. Leaves and stems have white hair densely placed and look silver from the distance. Sprout from the ground full of fallen leaves in early spring is striking. Flowers are flower head consists of many tubular shaped small yellow flowers.

●Season April to June
●Height about 20 to 30 cm
●Place Trail 1 to 6, Mt. Inari, Oku-Takao
※Quotation from Mount Takao formula application
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