Miyama Kirishima (or Kyushu Azalea) is one of the spring symbols in Aso. They grow only on high volcanic mountains in Kyushu area, mainly in Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Oita. Kyushu Azalea is shrub and blooms from May to June. During this season, pink carpet covers on the surface of rocky mountains and it’s one of the highlights of spring. Interestingly, they can live only on bare rock mountains in volcanic field which is a severe environment for most plants. In these areas, soil is extremely dry and plants are exposed to cold and strong wind at all the time. Only in this severe circumstance, Miyama Kirishima can survive as a dominant species. If the volcanic activity finishes and many plants start to flourish, then they will be extinct losing out their habitat.

Check out the article to get to know more about Miyama Kirishima https://untappedkumamoto.com/nature/2868 

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