Tree of good luck

25 January 2014| last updated at 09:07PM

A CLOSE relative of the mangosteen, the happiness tree is not only ornamental, but also serves as a barrier against strong winds. It is a good addition to smaller gardens and exposed yards. For many people, it is an auspicious tree.

PLANT NAMES

A native of the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan, the tree, (botanical name: Garcinia subelliptica), is a member of the Clusiaceae family that has various local names. In Taiwan and Japan, it is called fukugi, meaning happiness tree in Chinese. It is also known as the fortune tree, perhaps because the leaves resemble the shape and colour of an ancient Japanese coin. Other names include the Philippines Fortune Tree and common Garcinia.

FAVOURED TREE

Some 300 years ago, feng shui masters assisted in the settlement of new villages and improvement of the landscapes in Okinawa. The goal was to achieve harmony between man and nature.

Greening was stressed to rid evil spirits and to enhance good energy. Fukugi trees, along with ryukyu pines and other native trees, were functionally planted to protect the landscape from typhoons and monsoon winds through multi-layered tree planting.

Since fukugi trees were intentionally grown and settled among forest belts based on feng shui concepts, they were considered auspicious. One such tree, estimated to be almost 400 years old, grew more than 15m high. Fukugi trees have very long lives and can grow into magnificent trees.

UNIQUE LEAVES AND BARK

Besides being a capable windbreaker, the tall and robust fukugi is also salt resistance. It is, therefore, suitable to be grown in coastal areas. The tree has beautiful leathery green leaves and its bark can be used to make reddish dye. New leaves are bright green and turn dark green when mature. The simple ovate, tough fleshy leaves are arranged in a spiral manner in opposite pairs. They have smooth margins and their mid-veins are raised. The top side is dark green while the underside is yellow-green. The apex is broad, rounded and a little notched.

Original post:
Tree of good luck