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
Category: Plants
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
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. In Japan, it is found in the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands. Schima wallichii is distributed mainly in the Ogasawara and Ryukyu Islands in Japan. The populations in these two regions differ slightly in appearance,… Continue reading Okinawa needlewood tree
Ryukyu Sweetleaf
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
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
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