apoiazami
Asteraceae (composite family)
Cirsium apoense
- Physical characteristics:
- This perennial grows to approximately 1.5 meters in height. The leaves have moderately deep to very deep pinnate lobes. The outer bracts of the capitulum (flower head), which is composed of tubular florets, are elliptic-lanceolate and arranged in six rows, becoming progressively shorter.
- Blooming period:
- July to August
- Habitat:
- from the foothills to the upper areas
- Other information:
- an endemic species
- Japanese name origin:
- One etymological theory suggests that “azami” comes from “azamu,” meaning “to surprise,” because the beautiful flower has sharp spines. Another theory proposes that “azamu” means “to deceive,” referring to the deceptive nature of the spines.