Ophiorrhiza japonica
Rubiaceae
- Range
- From mainland Japan(west of southern Kanto) to the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, central and southern China, and Vietnam
This is an evergreen perennial found in moist habitats, such as valleys. On Tokunoshima, it sometimes forms clusters with Goodyera clavata along limestone streams. From winter to spring, it produces flowers that vary in color from pure white to pale purple. Its leaf shape shows considerable variation, and populations on the Ryukyu Islands are sometimes referred to as the long-leaved variety. However, further research is required to determine whether the Tokunoshima population falls into that variety.
Habitat of This Animal:
A:Forest along the valley - A1:Accessible forest
While there are also high mountains in Tokunoshima Island, there are also plateaus formed by raised coral reefs surrounding such mountains. These plateaus, with base rock made of Ryukyu limestone, formed a complicated terrain as a result of erosion. Forests growing on such plateau are made of plants preferring limestone soil, and this is one of the important factors characterizing the nature of Tokunoshima Island.
This A1:Accessible forest