Nippon daisy

Nipponanthemum nipponicum

Flower name
Nippon daisy
Scientific name
Nipponanthemum nipponicum
Aliasニッポン・デージー, Nippon daisy, Nippon-chrysanthemum
Place of originendemic to Japan
Place of floweringSeashore, Botanical Gardens
Flowering seasonSeptember, October, November
Language of flowersLove

What is Nippon daisy

Nippon daisy , Nippon-chrysanthemum, or hamagiku (scientific name: Nipponanthemum nipponicum、synonym：Chrysanthemum nipponicum) is an endemic species to Japan and belongs to the Asteraceae family, genus Nipponanthemum. It is a perennial herb or subshrub known for its hardiness against cold, drought, and salt. In English, it is referred to as "Nippon Daisy," "Nippon-chrysanthemum," or "Montauk Daisy."

It is naturally found along the Pacific coasts of Japan from Aomori to Ibaraki Prefectures, thriving on sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The plant grows to a height of 50 to 100 cm, with thick, hairless, woody stems and spreads through underground stems.

Left: The Hamagiku emits a scent that flies love. Right: A fly attracted by the foul smell of the Hamagiku.

The leaves are green, spatula-shaped, and arranged in whorls, with no petioles, and have serrated margins. From September to November, it blooms wild-looking flowers, with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, measuring 5–6 cm in diameter. The flower has a robust, wild appearance due to the broad petals compared to other similar flowers. It emits a strong scent that attracts flies (genus: Musca) to assist in pollination.

Common name:Nippon daisy, scientific name: Nipponanthemum nipponicum, synonym: Chrysanthemum nipponicum, English names: Nippon daisy , Nippon-chrysanthemum , Montauk daisy, Native to Japan, Habitat: Pacific coast of Aomori to Ibaraki Prefectures, Living environment: sandy beaches and quays, Life form: cold- and drought-tolerant perennial herb/subshrub, Height: 50-100 cm, Petiole: absent, Leaf color: green, Leaf shape: sagittate, Leaf length: 5-9 cm, Leaf width: 1.5-2 cm, Serrate: yes, Phyllotaxy: alternate, Flowering season: September-November, Inflorescence form: capitate, Flower color: white (tongue-shaped flower: outer fluttering) and yellow (tubular flower: heaped flower at the core), Flower diameter: 5-6 cm, Flowering place : stem tip; fruit type: scrawny.