Ligularia fischeri ("Otakarako")

Japanese name: オタカラコウ （雄宝香）
Scientific name: Ligularia fischeri

[Overview]
A perennial 1–2 m tall, found along streams and in wetlands in the mountains and subalpine zone, often growing in colonies.
The stems and leaf stalks are often tinged with purple, and yellowish brown soft hairs sometimes grow on the upper part of the stem and on the inflorescence.
There are basal leaves and three stem leaves.
The basal leaves are reniform-orbicular, up to 32 cm long and 40 cm wide, with blunt serrate margins.
The basal leaves have long leaf stalks, and the bases of the leaf stalks form sheaths.
Twenty or more yellow flower heads form in a raceme at the tip of the flower stem.
The flower heads are about 4 cm across and bear about 5–9 ray florets.
The fruit is an achene with a pappus tinged brown to purplish brown.

[Uses]
The roots and rhizomes are used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers soil that is sunny, airy, well drained, moisture-retentive and moderately moist.
Strong direct sunlight in summer can scorch the leaves, so in midsummer it is best to move it to partial shade or provide shading.
Take care that it does not run short of water; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues in summer and the soil dries out.
Fertilizer is not especially necessary if a base fertilizer is applied, but for potted plants, slow-release fertilizer may be placed on the soil in spring.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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