Goodyera schlechtendaliana ("Miyamauzura")

Japanese name: ミヤマウズラ （深山鶉）
Scientific name: Goodyera schlechtendaliana

[Overview]
A perennial 12–25 cm tall, found in forests.
The stem creeps at the base, puts out roots from the nodes, and is erect in the upper part.
The leaves are simple, several alternate on the lower part of the stem, broadly ovate, 2–4 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, with a white net-like pattern on the upper surface.
A raceme bears 7–12 flowers, all turned to one side.
The flowers and inflorescence are densely hairy.
The flowers are white tinged with slight red, with yellowish-brown spots on the inner side of the tips of the lateral petals.
At the base of each flower is a lanceolate bract.

[Uses]
The whole plant is used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division, leaving each division with 2–3 roots and several nodes.
It prefers partial shade and a well-drained, moisture-retentive growing medium, but sphagnum moss alone is also possible.
Repot once a year, which also renews the soil.
In winter, take care to prevent freezing.
Water when the soil begins to dry, pouring gently from the edge of the pot so that water does not collect in the center of the leaves.
In spring and autumn, give diluted liquid fertilizer about once every 2 weeks in place of water.
After flowering, cut the flower stalk at the base as soon as possible.
Pests and diseases include soft rot, viral disease and slugs.

[Notes]
The Japanese name compares the pattern of the leaves to the markings on a quail.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)