The "O-takarako" (Ligularia fischerii) belongs to Asteracear (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is distributed westward from Fukushima prefecture of Honshu to Shikoku and Kyushu. This herb grows in wetish places along montane streams and can reach 1-2 m in height. The basal leaves are large cordate-round with long petioles. The racemes are borne on the upper stems and bloom yellow flower-heads from July to September. The flower-head has around 8 ray flowers. The Japanese name is derived from the fact that the aroma of the rhizome is similar to that of "borneol" from the Borneo camphorwood (Dryobalanops aromatica) of the tropical rain forest, and appears to be more robust than "Me-takaroko".