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The "Amami-sansho-so" (Elatostema oshimense) belongs to Urticaceae (the Nettle family). It is a perennial herb that is an endemic species to Amami Oshima in Japan. It grows on moist rocky areas along mountain streams and reaches a height of 10 to 12 cm. The stems creep along the ground and spread out. The leaves are elliptical, entire, and alternate. As they mature, the leaves become shallowly three-lobed at the tip. From winter through spring, it produces small white flowers at the tips of its branches. It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List.
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