Farfugium japonicum

Farfugium japonicum (syn. Ligularia tussilaginea) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, also known as leopard plant, green leopard plant or tractor seat plant.[1] It is native to streams and seashores of Japan, where it is called tsuwabuki (石蕗).[2]

Farfugium 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

Tussilago japonica

Description

It is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial, growing in a loose clump about 60 cm (24 in) tall and wide, with large round or kidney-shaped leaves that are slightly fleshy in texture. Daisy-like yellow flowers, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) across, are borne in loose clusters in autumn and winter.[2]

Cultivation

F. japonicum 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.[3] 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, with wavy or toothed margins, held aloft on long stalks. 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.[4][5] It is hardy in coastal or mild areas, but requires protection from cold winds.

Toxicity

Farfugium japonicum contains tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.[6][7]

  • F. japonicum 'Argenteum' showing white variegation
  • Flowers

References
  1. "Leopard Plant". Home & Garden Information Center. Clemson University, South Carolina. November 5, 2017. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
  2. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
  3. MBG . accessed 11.30.2011
  4. "RHS Plant Selector - Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'". Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  5. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 38. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  6. 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
  7. 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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