Kirengeshoma

Strictly speaking another monotypic genus (although some argue there are two species), from woods and mountains of Japan and Korea. Either way, a very elegant herbaceous perennial, with maple-like leaves and waxy, yellow, pendent flowers in autumn. Well worth growing in a shady spot, in a moisture retentive soil.

The flowers are attractive to bumblebees in particular, although their preferred shady locations may limit their value as a nectar source, while the mounds of foliage give shelter to invertebrates and amphibians at least during the summer months. The species is considered to be endangered in the wild in its native Far East, cultivation in gardens therefore represents an important genetic conservation resource.