Okinawa needlewood tree

Japanese name: イジュ
Chinese name: 西南木荷、紅木荷
English name: Okinawa needlewood tree
Origin: 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, and some researchers suggest that the Ryukyu populations may represent a distinct subspecies, , or possibly a separate species referred to as Schima noronhae. However, no formal taxonomic consensus has been reached.

In the Ryukyu Islands, this species is one of the dominant trees in non-limestone forest habitats. Around May, during the rainy season, the tree becomes covered in large white blossoms, creating a spectacular and eye-catching scene in the forest.

The bark contains saponins, and in the past, people in Okinawa used powdered bark as a fish poison. The ash produced by burning the wood was also traditionally used as plant ash (kuzugai) in the preparation of Okinawa soba noodles.

From February to March, the reddish new leaves are also quite conspicuous and make the tree easy to distinguish. However, in the summer, when it lacks both flowers and new leaves, it can be confused with certain Fagaceae trees that also have serrated leaves.

Reference：
Chinese website of needlewood tree
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ヒメツバキ/
National Museum of Nature and Science – Schima noronhae

The beautiful white flowers of this tree are even mentioned in the traditional Okinawan folk song “Benoki-bushi,” reflecting its deep cultural connection with local life.