hidakatohiren
Asteraceae (composite family)
Saussurea kudoana
- Physical characteristics:
- This perennial grows to approximately 30 cm in height. The stems are purple. The leaves are thick, glossy, and elliptic-lanceolate. The basal leaves remain during the flowering period. The capitulum (flower head) consists of numerous tubular florets.
- Blooming period:
- August to mid-September
- Habitat:
- areas in and above the eighth stage
- Other information:
- an endemic subspecies
- Japanese name origin:
- Among azami (thistles), “hiren” refers specifically to hireazami (Carduus crispus), commonly known as the welted thistle. The term “to” refers to China, but is used here to suggest something foreign or exotic, highlighting the plant’s unique qualities.