Ligularia
(from ligula, a strap; referring to the florets). ORD. Compositae. A genus comprising about a score species of hardy herbaceous perennials, with handsome leaves, now included, by Bentham and Hooker, under Senecio. Ligularias require generally a free, moist soil, and prefer a rather peaty one. Propagated by divisions, in spring and autumn. Only the undermentioned species are worth growing.
L. japonica (Japanese). fl.-heads yellow, small, paniculate. Autumn. l. stalked, glabrous, green above, paler beneath; lower ones inciso-palmate, lobes unequally dentate; upper ones undivided, serrate. Japan. SYN. Erythochaete palmatifida.
L. Kaempferi aureo-maculata (Kaempfer's gold-spotted).* l. large, orbicular-cordate, dark green, glabrous, shining, irregularly blotched with yellow, or sometimes with white and rose. Stems thick, fleshy. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Japan. SYNS. Farfugium grande and Senecio Kaempferi aureo-maculata. (B. M. 5302.)
L. macrophylla (large-leaved). fl.-heads yellow, borne in a dense, long, terminal spike. l. oval, very large, glaucous. h. 3 1/2ft. Caucasus. A very large and vigorous-growing perennial, and an excellent plant for sub-tropical gardening.