Family: Mazaceae
Author: (Burm.f.) Steenis
Bibliography: Nova Guinea, n.s., 9: 31 (1958)
Year: 1958
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Mazus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Asia
Description
Japanese mazus, scientifically known as Mazus pumilus, is a delicate and versatile flowering plant that belongs to the Mazaceae family. This plant is native to Asia, where it thrives in various environmental conditions, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.
Mazus pumilus was officially categorized and described in 1958 in a publication known as Nova Guinea, n.s., 9: 31 by the esteemed botanist Cornelis Gijsbert Gerrit Jan van Steenis, often abbreviated as (Burm.f.) Steenis. This meticulous classification has allowed botanists and plant enthusiasts alike to identify, study, and appreciate the unique characteristics of Japanese mazus.
Japanese mazus is particularly noted for its low-growing habit, making it an excellent ground cover. It typically blooms in the spring and early summer, producing small, yet vibrant flowers that add a touch of color to any landscape. The flowers are usually purple or white, often adorned with intricate patterns and markings that are a delightful sight for pollinators and humans alike.
In its native habitat across Asia, Mazus pumilus is often found in moist, shaded areas, such as along the edges of forests, streams, and meadows. Its preference for such environments suggests a need for well-drained yet consistently moist soil, coupled with partial to full shade to mimic its natural growing conditions.
The plant’s small size and ground-hugging nature make it suitable for use in rock gardens, as a border plant, or even between stepping stones in a garden path. Additionally, its robustness allows it to withstand moderate foot traffic, making it a practical yet aesthetically pleasing choice for various garden settings.
In terms of care, Japanese mazus is relatively low-maintenance once established. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, helps maintain its lush appearance. Although it is not particularly prone to pests or diseases, ensuring good air circulation and avoiding waterlogged soil can help prevent common issues like root rot.
Overall, Japanese mazus is a charming addition to any garden, combining beauty and practicality. Whether planted for its decorative flowers, used as ground cover, or integrated into a shadier section of the garden, Mazus pumilus offers both visual appeal and functional benefits.
Common Names
Deu: einjähriges lippenmäulchen
Eng: japanese mazus
Nld: vlakbloempje
En: Japanese mazus
Nl: Vlakbloempje
De: Einjähriges Lippenmäulchen
Synonyms
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Oklahoma (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Tamanna tamanna Bhalla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Tamanna tamanna Bhalla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Mamoona Munir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by Virgínia Brandão (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by 志埜杜 (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 11, 2022 by anne amouroux (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2022 by Iram Sabha (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by 志埜杜 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2020 by Siddharth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by sachin sharma (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Зобенко Андрей (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 3, 2021 by j laserblast (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Orca The Killer Whale Narwhal (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 12, 2022 by sachin sharma (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171304)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:805568-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mazus pumilus (Burm.f.) Steenis)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb