Mizubasho' flowers signal spring in Gifu Prefecture

Plants affectionately known as "white fairies" are in bloom on a highland in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. About 10,000 white skunk cabbages, called "mizubasho" in Japanese, are blooming in clusters across a large wetland in Bijokogen in Takayama City.

The plant is characterized by tiny yellow flowers nestled inside a white, petal-like leaf. Visitors stop to view and photograph the blossoms, which herald the arrival of spring. The head of a local tourism association said he hoped visitors will enjoy the blossoms while listening to the songs of nearby birds. Officials said the flowers will be at their best until late this month.