Katakuri (Dog's-tooth violet)

Nowadays, people will travel some distance to see the delightful woodland flowers known as katakuri, or dog's-tooth violets (Erythronium japonicum). However, there was a time when they were more sought after for their roots, which provide a starch that was used in Japanese cooking, while occasionally the flowers were also eaten, deep fried, as tempura. Despite their English name, dog's-tooth violets are not actually violets, but dainty members of the lily family that are sometimes also called "trout lilies" because of their spotted leaves. There are about 20 species of erythroniums in Asia, Europe and America, and the colors of the flowers include white and yellow. They bloom in early spring before the leaves on the trees all open, and while the sunlight can still reach the woodland floor. Each plant of the Japanese species has a pair of leaves, and bears a single mauve flower, with backward-flaring petals. Although it hangs its head downward, insects are quickly attracted to the nectar by following the eye-catching marks on the petals.