Particulars

Arboretum name: Kuishi: Flagellaria
Japanese name: Toutsuru-modoki
Species / Family: Flagellaria indica L./Flagellariaceae
Okinawan name: Yamatū, Habuigū, Kuji

Plant Characteristics

Toutsuru-modoki, or Flagellariaceae is a large variety of vine that grows in sunny forests on mountains or along coasts and reaches over 10 meters in length. The leaves are 15–25 cm long with a tendril at the tip. It produces flowers in a dense cluster from inflorescences that bloom between May and June. The fruit is globular and red. Tokunoshima Island being the northern extent of the vine, Toutsuru-modoki is found on Yoronto Island, the Okinawan islands, and the Sakinoshima islands, spreading to Taiwan, Southern China, India, Malaysia, and Polynesia. The tendril at the tip of the leaf twines around other plants. On Taketomi Island, Toutsuru-modoki is still used as the base for roof tiles to enhance the look of stunning, red tile-roofed homes. On Kudaka-jima Island the plant is used to make a crown worn by the Noro (priestess) who conducts divine services.

Uses

Culm: Riding Whip　
Stems: Baskets, Woven Products, Roof Binding 　

Calendar of best viewing periods

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