I encountered a rare flower. Its name is Jaco Aoi. It is a perennial herb native to the central and southern parts of Europe and is said to have been introduced to Japan for ornamental purposes during the Meiji era, so it has been quite some time since it arrived in Japan. As it is a plant that prefers cold regions, it may not be commonly seen in the Kansai region. The Japanese name of musk mallow is said to be because it has a slightly musky smell. Its English name is “musk mallow,” with “musk” referring to “Jaco” and “mallow” referring to “Aoi,” making “Jaco Aoi” a suitable translation. The petals of the flower range from white to pink, and the diameter of the flower is about 5 cm, resembling the flowers of hollyhocks. It is said to have been used as an herb in Europe since ancient times. Both the flowers, leaves, and roots are said to have medicinal properties and are also used in salads. While Japan’s tachiaoi (hollyhock) is dignified and impressive, the gentle appearance of Jaco Aoi’s flowers is also beautiful.

珍しい花に出会いました。その名をジャコウアオイと言います。ヨーロッパ中南部原産の多年草であり、日本には明治時代に観賞用に導入された言いますから、日本に来てからもう随分になるわけです。寒冷地を好む植物ですから、関西ではあまりお目に掛からないのかもしれません。ジャコウアオイの和名はわずかに麝香臭があるからとのこと。英名はmusk mallowですから、 muskはジャコウ、mallowはアオイで、まさにジャコウアオイがその訳になるわけです。花弁の色は白色から桃色、花の直径は5cmほどで、アオイ(タチアオイ)の花とそっくりです。ヨーロッパでは昔からハーブとして利用されているそうです。花も葉も根も薬用になるそうで、サラダにも使われるそうです。日本の立葵も凛々しくていいですが、ジャコウアオイの優しそうな花姿もいいですね。