Garcinia subelliptica Merr.

Etymology Genus After Laurent Garcen, a 18th century French botanist
Species Leaf is sub-elliptic
Family Clusiaceae
Synonyms -
Common Names Fukugi Tree, Happiness Tree
Status Exotic: Cultivated Only
Form Tree
Native Distribution Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan

Diagnostics:

Garcinia subelliptica is easily identified from its columnar form, and upward pointing branches and leaves.


Interesting Facts:

The Fukugi Tree is a very slowing growing species. In the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, some of the oldest trees (100 to 400 years old) are only over 10m (Chen & Nakama, 2011). These ancient trees were planted during Ryukyu Kingdom period as wind breaks.


Row of ornamental planting outside Dhoby Ghaut MRT.

Upward pointing leaves.

Leaf upper and lower surfaces.

Upward pointing branches.

Flowers.

Fruit.

Sliced fruit and seed.


References

Chen B & Y Nakama. (2011) Distribution of Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) trees as Landscaping trees in Traditional Villages in Ryukyu Islands in Japan. Pacific Agriculture and Natural Resources, 3: 14-22.


Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-08-31 / Modified: 2017-12-25