Farfugium japonicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across several distinct regions. In Europe, its presence is noted specifically within the island of Sicilia. It also has a significant distribution across the Macaronesian islands, including the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Moving toward Asia, the species is found within the South-Central regions of China. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in varied subtropical and island environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Farfugium japonicum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived herbaceous species, it typically establishes a robust presence through an underground rhizomatous system, which facilitates both vegetative spreading and long-term survival in its natural habitats. Throughout its lifecycle, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of leaf development and energy storage within its rootstock, enabling it to emerge reliably each spring. While its growth patterns can be influenced by environmental stability, its fundamental biological strategy is rooted in perenniality, ensuring a continuous lifecycle that can endure varying climatic conditions over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Farfugium japonicum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as a self-supporting plant, rather than a climber, maintaining a stable structure through its herbaceous habit. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.4 m to a maximum of 0.6 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of the foliage in Farfugium japonicum is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions and a specialized leaf structure. The leaves exhibit a prominent reniiform form, providing a broad surface area optimized for light interception. In terms of size variability, the leaf length is highly dynamic, ranging from a minimum of 1 cm and a mean of 1.5 cm to a maximum reach of 15 cm. This longitudinal dimension is complemented by a significant width, with measurements spanning from a minimum of 11 cm to a maximum width of 22 cm, facilitating robust photosynthetic capacity through its expansive, kidney-shaped architecture.

Leaf form :

reniform

Leaf length max:

15 cm

Leaf length mean:

1.5 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf width max:

22 cm

Leaf width min:

11 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Farfugium japonicum is characterized by a flowering period that typically begins in April and extends through June, although the timing can be variable. The plant produces vibrant yellow flowers that range in length from 1.5 cm to 2 cm, with a flower width spanning between 2.5 cm and 5 cm. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of an achene. These fruits are indehiscent and maintain a consistent length, with both the minimum, mean, and maximum measurements recorded at 0.7 cm.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Flower colour :

yellow

Flower length max:

2 cm

Flower length min:

1.5 cm

Flower width max:

5 cm

Flower width min:

2.5 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit length max:

0.7 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Farfugium japonicum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Preparations

Farfugium japonicum has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Archives of pharmacal research