Symplocos liukiuensis liukiuensis Japanese name: アオバナハイノキChinese name: 青花灰木English name: Ryukyu SweetleafOrigin: 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… Continue reading Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Category: plant
Goodyera hachijoensis
Goodyera hachijoensis var. matsumurana Japanese Name: カゴメランChinese Name: 銀線蓮、假金線蓮English Name: Goodyera hachijoensisOrigin: Izu Islands, Yakushima, Tokara Islands, Okinawa Islands, Amami Oshima, Yaeyama Islands, Taiwan Goodyera hachijoensis has also been recorded from Okinawajima, but the number of individuals is very low, making it an extremely rare plant. Due to frequent illegal collection, strong conservation efforts are… Continue reading Goodyera hachijoensis
Rusty-leaf Mucuna
Mucuna macrocarpa Japanese Name: イルカンダChinese Name: 血藤English Name: Rusty-leaf MucunaOrigin: Southern China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Amami Islands to Okinawa Islands, India The Japanese name Irukanda comes from the Okinawan dialect, where Iru means “color” and Kanda refers to “vine.” This species is common in the forests of Yambaru. From March to May, its flowers bloom in… Continue reading Rusty-leaf Mucuna