Farfugium japonicum

Farfugium japonicum
F. japonicum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Genus: Farfugium
Species: F. japonicum
Binomial name
Farfugium japonicum
(L.) Kitam.
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]

F. japonicum 'Argenteum' showing white variegation
Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum' in garden setting

Toxicity

Farfugium japonicum contains tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.,[4][5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. MBG . accessed 11.30.2011
  3. "RHS Plant Selector - Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'". Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  4. 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
  5. 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)
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