Farfugium+japonicum



//Farfugium japonicum //

**Historical Origins:** As its name suggests, Farfugium japonicum is native to Japan. It is also found growing in the rocky cliffs of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It was introduced to England in 1856 by horticulturist Robert Fortune. It is known as the leopard plant, and some have bright yellow spots while others have fuzzy, wavy leaves. Farfugium japonicum grows in the shade and must be from the mid-day sun or else it will wilt. It blooms in October and November, producing 18-inch tall spikes with clusters of yellow blossoms.


 *  Cultural Significance: **This species has long been cultivated for ornamental purpose since the Edo Era, and a number of cultivars are known to use it. In this plant, researchers have found the presence of four telocentric chromosomes in the chromosome complement of wild F. japonicum.


 *  Cultivation in U.S.: **The plant is still unknown to a majority gardeners in the US, but it can be described as simply irresistible.


 *  Cultural Connection: **It is known as an ornamental purpose in places in Asia and gardeners in the US who have found this plant believe the same is true. It is an unknown delicacy.

Sources: http://www.floridata.com/ref/f/farf_jap.cfm http://msucares.com/news/print/sgnews/sg09/sg090205.html