Symplocos liukiuensis liukiuensis
Japanese name: アオバナハイノキ
Chinese name: 青花灰木
English name: Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Origin: Endemic to Okinoerabujima and Okinawajima
This subspecies is endemic to Okinoerabujima and Okinawajima. A related subspecies, Symplocos liukiuensis iriomotensis (Iriomote Sweetleaf), is found only on Iriomotejima. It produces small, delicate purple flowers around February, which are highly ornamental. Unfortunately, its beauty has led to illegal collection in the wild, and natural populations have become scarce in recent years.
