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).

Viola hondoensis
Viola hondoensis Violaceae
Perennial herbs found at wet forest floor and forest edges near streamside. In Mt. Takao, this plant is the first blooming viola in spring. Leaves resemble asarum caulescens which is the family crest of Tokugawa family (a family of shogun ruled Japan in Edo period, 1600-1867), hence the Japanese name Aoi-sumire, aoi is from the Japanese name of as asarum caulescens (Futaba-aoi in Japanese) and sumire means viola. Viola in general, have two petals called lateral petals are open to the sides but this part of this plant is half-open. It is easily distinguish with other viola by checking this part. Is a short plant and light purple and white flowers bloom nodding. Leaves are round-shaped with hairs. Leaves during blooming season are small and about 2 cm, but become 5 to 8 cm after flowering and grow by extending stems along the ground.

●Season  Mid March to about Mid April
●Height  about 3 to 8 cm
●Place  Ura-Takao, Minami-Takao
※Quotation from Mount Takao formula application
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