Farfugium japonicum
Farfugium japonicum | |
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F. japonicum | |
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Species: | F. japonicum
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Binomial name | |
Farfugium japonicum | |
Synonyms | |
Petasites japonicus |
Farfugium japonicum syn. Ligularia tussilaginea is a species of flowering plant of the family Asteraceae, also known as leopard plant, green leopard plant. It is native to streams and seashores of Japan, where it is called Tsuwabuki (石蕗).[1]
Description
It grows in a loose clump about 60 cm (24 in) tall and wide, spreading by rhizomes. Daisy-like yellow flowers, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) across, are borne in loose clusters in autumn and winter.[1]
Cultivation
It is grown as an ornamental plant for garden planting and containers. The variegated cultivars are often used to brighten shade garden settings. Farfugium japonicum var. giganteum is a very large leaved selection.[2] Some cultivars have shiny green leaves variegated with irregular creamy white or yellow markings, which are leathery and large, 4-10 in (10.2-25.4 cm) across, rounded or kidney shaped, with wavy or toothed margins, held aloft on long stalks, and they are evergreen. Others are an even green without the white or yellow markings.
The cultivar 'Aureomaculatum' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]
Toxicity
Farfugium japonicum contains tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.,[4][5]
References
- ^ a b RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ^ MBG . accessed 11.30.2011
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'". Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Fu, P.P., Yang, Y.C., Xia, Q., Chou, M.C., Cui, Y.Y., Lin G., "Pyrrolizidine alkaloids-tumorigenic components in Chinese herbal medicines and dietary supplements", Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, Vol. 10, No. 4, 2002, pp. 198-211 [1]
- ^ Niwa H., Ishiwata H., Yamada K. "Isolation of petasitenine, a carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Farfugium japonicum" Journal of Natural Products 1985 48:6 (1003-1007)