Particulars

Arboretum name: Sakura: Taiwan Cherry
Japanese name: Hikanzakura
Species / Family: Prunus campanulata Maxim./Rosace
Okinawan name: Sakura

Plant Characteristics

Hikan-zakura, or Prunus campanulata (Taiwan Cherry) is a deciduous tree, growing to around 10m tall. It bears tiny flowers that are about 1cm in diameter, growing downward in clusters to form a bell shape. While Somei Yoshino (Japanese Cherry) loses its petals individually at the maturity of flowers, the Hikan-zakura loses its petals in clusters. Native to Taiwan and southern China, this species is also found in southern Kyushu and Izu-Atami in Japan. In Amami or on Kikai Island, it is called Shiwasu-bana (December Flower) or Setsubun-bana (End-of-Winter Flower) on Okino-Erabujima Island as the flowers are in full bloom around December. Honored with another name—Kanhi-zakura, the Hikan-zakura is the most common Sakura in Okinawa.

Uses

Trees: Landscaping, Streets, Parks
Wood: Sculptures, Ornamental Purposes　
Bark: Art Work, Medicine

Calendar of best viewing periods

• 
• 
•