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The "Tanimura-aoi" (Asarum leucosepalum) belongs to Aristolochiaceae (the Birthwort family). It is a perennial herb that is an endemic species found on Tokunoshima Island in Japan's Amami Islands. It grows exclusively on forested slopes with limestone strata and reaches a height of 10 to 20 cm. The leaves are ovate-triangular with a deeply heart-shaped base; their upper surface is dark green and matte, and they typically lack markings. From around February to March, it blooms with white to yellowish-white flowers. The calyx tube is cylindrical, and the calyx lobes are triangular to broadly ovate. There are small, plate-like projections around the corolla ring. There are 12 stamens arranged in two rows, inner and outer, and 6 styles that stand erect and end in short, horn-like tips. It is also known by the alternative name "Shirayuki-kan-aoi". The Japanese name is named after Mr. Tadanori Tanimura, who discovered this plant in 1987. It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List.
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