When exposed to water, the white, pearl-like flowers begin to transform into a transparent, glass-like form.
The white petals under normal conditions (left) and their transparent form when exposed to rainwater. (Photo: Interflora)
Diphylleia grayi is the scientific name of a flowering plant with white blooms, typically found on damp, wooded mountain slopes in the cold climates of Japan and China. The plant features large, umbrella-shaped leaves and small clusters of white, pearl-like flowers.
The plant blooms from mid-spring to early summer in shaded conditions. When immersed in water, the flower petals gradually lose their white pigment and become completely transparent. Once dry, the petals revert to their original white hue.
According to Odditycentral, when exposed to rainwater, the clusters of white Diphylleia grayi flowers transform into glassy and shimmering flowers. Due to this characteristic, Diphylleia grayi is also known as “Skeleton Flower.”
While it is commonly referred to as Skeleton Flower, the name diệp hà sơn is more familiar. To see the diệp hà sơn flower in person at least once in a lifetime is a dream for many.
Not needing to be the queen of flowers, diệp hà sơn has its own unique way of being classified among rare and exotic plants. People affectionately call this beautiful species the “magician” of the forest, as just a few drops of water are enough to make the diệp hà sơn nearly invisible in its environment. Wherever water spreads, the flower petals transform into transparency, delicate yet beautifully mysterious.
This rare flower amazes many with its strange transformation. Its buds are light purple, resembling blueberries. Once it blooms, it turns white, becomes transparent upon contact with water, and when dry, returns to its pure white color. It is not an exaggeration to say that diệp hà sơn is the elegantly enchanting magician of nature.
This is not a bunch of grapes; these are the buds of the diệp hà sơn flower!
Diphylleia grayi is a white flower from the hydrangea family, discovered scientifically in 1868. The Japanese call it Sankayou flower.
The reason this pure white flower is called the Skeleton Flower is because it can turn transparent when it comes into contact with water, revealing the veins on the petals like a skeleton.
The identifying feature of the Skeleton Flower is its large, umbrella-shaped leaves, adorned with small clusters of white flowers at the top.
Despite its perennial nature, the Skeleton Flower only grows to a maximum height of 40cm.
Skeleton Flowers usually bloom from mid-spring to early summer under conditions of limited sunlight and shade.
When the petals of the Skeleton Flower encounter water, they gradually turn transparent like glass.
When dry, the petals revert to their original pure color.
Due to its preference for cool, humid climates, diệp hà sơn only grows in three locations on the planet: the Appalachian Mountains (Eastern United States), Hokkaido (Japan), and Yunnan (China). Among these, Hokkaido is the primary growing region for diệp hà sơn. This is the second largest island in Japan, where the average summer temperature ranges from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for this extraordinary flower to thrive.
In addition to its adaptability to low-light, high-humidity environments, this white flower only blooms in July each year. If you’re not observant, you might miss the shy clusters of diệp hà sơn hiding under the rain-soaked canopy in summer.
Diệp hà sơn is used in traditional medicine as a precious medicinal plant.
Diệp hà sơn is often harvested for home decoration and aesthetic decor. In love, diệp hà sơn is likened to a first love, being both pure and innocent yet fragile and easily broken.
Additionally, diệp hà sơn is used in traditional medicine as a valuable herb that helps improve blood circulation and detoxify effectively. Residents of high-altitude regions often use diệp hà sơn leaves as a remedy for snake bites.
