miyamahanmodoki
Rhamnaceae (buckthorn family)
Rhamnus isidae
- Physical characteristics:
- This deciduous dwarf shrub grows to approximately 20 cm in height and spreads low along the ground. The leaves are alternate with serrated edges, and the veins are sunken on the surface and raised on the underside. It is dioecious (having separate male and female plants) and lacks petals on its flowers. The red fruit turns black when ripe.
- Blooming period:
- late May to June
- Habitat:
- along the ridgeline between Mt. Yoshida and Mt. Pinneshiri
- Other information:
- a quasi-endemic species; synonym: yubarinoki
- Japanese name origin:
- The “modoki” in miyamahanmodoki means “resembling.” The name comes from the plant’s similarity to the leaves of miyamahannoki (Alnus maximowiczii).