ユリ科チゴユリ属の多年草で、学名は Disporum sessile。英名は Japanese fairy bells。
The Japanese fairy bells (Disporum sessile) belongs to Liliaceae (the Lily family). It is a perennial herb that is native to Japan, as well as the Korean Peninsula and Sakhalin. This herb grows in forests on hillsides, and can reach 30-60 cm in height. The stem is erect and branched at the upper parts. The leaves are oblong to broad-elliptic and alternate. The greenish-white flowers bloom on the terminal branches from April to May. The perianthes are tubular and divided into six lobes. The fruits are round berries and ripen in black. The Japanese name "Houchaku-so" is derived from the appearance of the drooping flowers, which resemble a "Hotaku". By the way, "Hotaku" is a large wind bell hung as a decoration on the four corners of the eaves of a pagoda.