Ranunculus acris subsp. nipponicus ("Miyamakinpoge")

Japanese name: ミヤマキンポウゲ （深山金鳳花）
Scientific name: Ranunculus acris subsp. nipponicus

[Overview]
A perennial 12–70 cm tall, growing in the subalpine to alpine zones.
It is found in sunny grasslands and often grows in clusters around snowbeds, frequently forming large colonies.
The stem branches in the upper part, and the branches ascend obliquely.
The stem usually bears appressed hairs.
There are basal leaves and leaves alternate on the stem; the basal leaves are 1–6 cm long and 1.5–8 cm wide, palmately 3-lobed shallowly to deeply, with the lobes further divided, and the base is shallowly to deeply heart-shaped.
Both surfaces of the leaves bear appressed hairs.
The petioles of the basal leaves are 3–10 cm long and bear appressed hairs.
The flowers are borne 2–4 in a cyme-like cluster at the stem tips or singly, 1.5–2.5 cm across, yellow, with 5–6 petals.
The petals have a metallic sheen.
The nectaries are covered by obovate appendages.
The flower stalks are 1–7.5 cm long, ascending obliquely, without bracteoles, and bear appressed hairs.
The fruits are achenes clustered in a sphere, and the beak of each achene (the persistent style) is strongly curved like a hook.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sunny, airy conditions and soil that is well drained and retains water well.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in warm regions grow it in a pot and place it in airy partial shade in summer.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil dries out.
Apply slow-release chemical fertilizer in spring.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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