Species information Scientific name: Styrax japonicusJapanese name: エゴノキChinese name: 野茉莉English name: Japanese snowbellOrigin: Widely distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu, Okinawa, Taiwan, China, and Korea Ecology and description Japanese snowbell adapts to relatively open forest environments and is therefore one of the common tree species along roadside areas in the Yambaru region. Although usually inconspicuous, Japanese… Continue reading Japanese Snowbell
Category: Plants
Taiwan Cherry
Species information Scientific name: Prunus campanulataJapanese name: カンヒザクラ、ヒガンザクラChinese name: 山櫻花、寒緋櫻English name: Taiwan cherryOrigin: Southern China, Taiwan, Ishigaki Ecology and description Taiwan cherry, also known Kanhizakura in Japan, has small populations on Ishigaki where it is designated as a national natural monument. On Okinawajima, Taiwan cherry is cultivated and planted in various locations. Popular cherry blossom… Continue reading Taiwan Cherry
Shell Ginger
Species information Scientific name: Alpinia zerumbetJapanese name: ゲットウChinese name: 月桃English name: Shell gingerOrigin: Tropical to subtropical regions of Asia, including Southeast Asia, southern India, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Ecology and description Shell ginger is a very common plant in Okinawa, often planted by the fields as a windbreak hedge. The leaves of… Continue reading Shell Ginger
Yaeyama Palm
Species information Scientific name: Satakentia liukiuensisJapanese name: ヤエヤマヤシChinese name: 八重山椰子English name: Yaeyama palmOrigin: Ishigaki, Iriomote Ecology and description This species is a palm tree that can reach a height of 25 meters. It is a rare monotypic genus species endemic to the Yaeyama Islands. Currently, there are only 3 natural cluster sites. However, it is… Continue reading Yaeyama Palm
Okinawa Needlewood Tree
Species information Scientific name: Schima wallichii ssp. Japanese name: イジュChinese name: 西南木荷、紅木荷English name: Okinawa needlewood treeOrigin: This species is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and in Japan, it can be found in the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands. Ecology and description Okinawa needlewood tree is mainly found in the Ogasawara Islands and the Ryukyu Islands in… Continue reading Okinawa Needlewood Tree
Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Species information Scientific name: Symplocos liukiuensis liukiuensisJapanese name: アオバナハイノキChinese name: 青花灰木English name: Ryukyu sweetleafOrigin: Okinoerabujima, Okinawajima Ecology and description This subspecies is endemic to Okinoerabujima and Okinawajima. Another subspecies, S. liukiuensis iriomotensis, is found only on Iriomote. In February, small purple flowers bloom that are very cute, attracting poachers and making the wild population scarce.… Continue reading Ryukyu Sweetleaf
Goodyera Hachijoensis
Species information Scientific name: Goodyera hachijoensis var. matsumuranaJapanese 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 Ecology and description Although Goodyera hachijoensis has been recorded on Okinawajima, it is rare and difficult to find. The species faces severe pressure from illegal collection and requires… Continue reading Goodyera Hachijoensis
Rusty-leaf Mucuna
Species information Scientific name: Mucuna macrocarpaJapanese name: イルカンダChinese name: 血藤English name: Rusty-leaf MucunaOrigin: Southern China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Amami Oshima to Okinawa Islands, and India. Ecology and description The Japanese name “Iru-kanda” is derived from the Okinawan dialect; “イル（iru）” means “color” in Okinawan, and “カンダ（kanda）” means “vine.” Rusty-leaf Mucuna is commonly found in the forests of… Continue reading Rusty-leaf Mucuna
Ryukyu Raspberry
Species information Scientific name: Rubus grayanusJapanese name: リュウキュウキイチゴChinese name: 中南懸鉤子English name: Ryukyu RaspberryOrigin: China, and in Japan from Tanegashima and Yakushima southwards Ecology and description Ryukyu Raspberry is the most common and abundant raspberry species in the Yambaru area. In winter, large white flowers can be seen along forest roads. Since the flowers bloom downwards,… Continue reading Ryukyu Raspberry