Species in the genus Cypripedium:

Cypripedium japonicum / Kumagaisou
　

Cypripedium japonicum / Kumagaisou クマガイソウ

Cypripedium japonicum is a perennial orchis species generally occurring in cryptomeria or bamboo forests, its rhizomes extending sideways. Stems, 20-40cm tall, have luxuriant white hair and some sheath-like small leaves at the bases. Leaves, 10-20cm in diameter, are of a fan-shaped circle, with prominent vertical wrinkles spreading out towards the margins from the leaf bases. 3-5cm long flowers are shaped like bags and have light red-purple bloom on the stem ends. Very rare. Bloom time: April-May.