Polygara japonica
is a perennial herb inhabiting sunny fields and mountains with
haired stems. The stems crawl on the ground and grow diagonally
upward to around 10-20cm in height. Leave are alternate, in an oval
to long-oblong shape, 1-3cm in length, with short petioles and
pointed tips. Axils on the upper parts of the stems emerge short
racemes with purple-tinged flowers shaped like a butterfly. Sepals
are 5 in number; petaloid side-sepals are oval to oblong, 6mm long,
and purple, enhancing after the flower to 1cm, becoming green.
Petals, 3, are connate at the bases, and one cut itself in at the
tips. Bloom time: April-July. |