dogtooth violet; Erythronium japonicum
A spring-blooming woodland perennial native to Japan, known for its nodding pinkish-purple flowers. The starch from its bulb is used to make katakuriko (potato starch), though modern katakuriko is usually made from potatoes.
In spring, dogtooth violets bloom in the mountains.
The colony of dogtooth violets has become a tourist attraction.
potato starch · dogtooth violet starch
Usually written in katakana; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Kanji form is rare and mainly seen in botanical or historical contexts.
The name likely derives from the shape of the leaf resembling a half chestnut (片栗), but the exact origin is uncertain.