Caltha palustris var. nipponica ("Ryukinka")

Japanese name: リュウキンカ （立金花）
Scientific name: Caltha palustris var. nipponica

[Overview]
A perennial growing in mountain wetlands and along slow-flowing streams.
There are basal leaves and leaves arranged alternately on the flower stem, both simple.
4–6 basal leaves are produced; they are kidney-shaped to heart-shaped, 5–10 cm long and 7–15 cm wide, with a glossy upper surface.
The leaf margin has teeth on the basal side, and in the upper half it is round-toothed, wavy or entire.
The petiole is 20–30 cm long, unwinged, and horseshoe-shaped in cross section.
1–2 flower stems stand up, 15–30 cm tall, and grow as long as 50 cm after flowering.
The leaves on the flower stem are kidney-shaped to heart-shaped with round-toothed or wavy margins, and those at the tip of the stem are almost stalkless.
2–4 yellow flowers, about 2–3 cm across, are borne at the tip of the flower stem.
The flowers have no petals; 5–7 glossy sepals stand out like petals.
The fruit is a follicle.

[Uses]
It is poisonous but is used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
Sow the seeds immediately after harvesting.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil that retains water well.
For potted plants, take care that the soil does not dry out; water once a day or stand the pot in a shallow dish of water.
No fertilizer is particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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