Javanese edelweiss | |
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A person selling Anaphalis javanica (Javanese edelweiss) on Mount Bromo. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Genus: | Anaphalis |
Species: | A. javanica |
Binomial name | |
Anaphalis javanica (Reinw. ex Blume) DC. |
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Synonyms | |
Gnaphalium javanicum Reinw. ex Blume |
Gnaphalium javanicum Reinw. ex Blume
Anaphalis javanica or Javanese edelweiss is a flowering plant species endemic to Indonesia. They are found mostly in mountainous regions of Java, southern Sumatra, southern Sulawesi and Lombok. Although a mature plant can reach eight metres in height, most specimens are less than a metre tall. The flower are generally seen between April and August. A bird species, the Javan whistling thrush (Myophonus glaucinus), nests in the plants branches.
Known as bunga abadi in Indonesian, literally means eternal flower, this plant is popular among tourists. Dried flowers are often sold as souvenirs. This could lead to the destruction of the wild grown species. In the Bromo-Tengger region in East Java this plant is considered extinct. This species is constantly decreasing in number and is currently protected in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park.
Javanese edelweiss field on Mount Papandayan
Javanese edelweiss
A close up of Javanese edelweiss flower