マムシグサ

Meanings

Arisaema serratum; jack-in-the-pulpit (species)

usually written using kana alone

A species of jack-in-the-pulpit native to East Asia, known for its distinctive pitcher-like spathe and spadix. The name literally means 'mamushi grass', referring to the snake-like appearance of its stem.

山やま道みちの脇わきにマムシグサが生はえていた。
Arisaema serratum was growing along the mountain path.
マムシグサの花はなは独どく特とくな形かたちをしている。
The flower of Arisaema serratum has a unique shape.

Kanji

蝮viper, adder, asp
草grass, weeds, herbs

Related words

テンナンショウ
テンナンショウ is the broader genus Arisaema, while マムシグサ specifically refers to Arisaema serratum.

Built from

マムシ+草くさ

Written forms

マムシグサUsage100%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is common and matches usual-kana usage; the plant name is often written in katakana.
まむしぐさ
Hiragana spelling is also used, especially in botanical contexts or when katakana is not preferred.
蝮まむし草ぐさ
Kanji spelling is rare and may not be widely recognized; the plant is usually written in kana.

Etymology

The name マムシグサ (蝮草) literally means 'mamushi grass', referring to the snake-like mottled pattern on its stem that resembles the Japanese pit viper (マムシ). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the name is descriptive of its appearance.