Today I planted a Garcinia subelliptica aka fukugi or happiness tree. It’s a popular ornamental tree in Okinawa, Japan and the people of the Ryuku kingdom planted them over 300 years ago as a windbreak, firebreak, boundary line and to protect their homes from typhoons. It provides deep shade in the tropical heat. Many of the walking paths in Okinawan villages are lined with fukugi and some of the really long ones are tourist attractions. Fukugi is a relative of mangosteen and although it seems like it can withstand the elements better it is a slow grower too. It produces edible fruits but I read that it’s sour and the bats eat them. So it’s basically bat food. I’m not sure how it will fare here with the garcinia leaf chomping caterpillars though. Thanks Ken for this cool tree! Another tree to bring us good fortune and happiness.
Originally posted on 2021-11-02, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.