The Taisanboku (Magnolia grandiflora) whose place
of origin is North America was introduced into Japan in 1873, according to a
pictorial book of Japanese Flora. This tree belongs to the magnolia family and
grows as tall as 20 meters. Its flowers bloom from June to the first half of
July. The diameter of the pure-white, fragrant flower reaches 15 centimeters.
The size
and beauty of the Taisanboku tree by the gate of Wakoen Clinic,
at Ariya in Amami City, now overwhelms you. 15 years ago, it was only five to
six meters tall when I shot the flowers with my video camera. The flowers bloom in threes and fives and can
be enjoyed for 40 to 50 days.
Both the Hounoki (Magnolia obovata) and the
Ogatamanoki (Michelia compressa) belong to the magnolia family. The former
grows on
Mainland Japan and the flower quite resembles
that of Taisanboku. The latter (whose flower isn't so big) grows wild not only
on the main island but also on Amamian and Okinawan islands.
