Top 20 Most Common Plants in Okinawa

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Okinawa

In Okinawa, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Flame of the woods, Golden pothos, Golden trumpet, Common lantana, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Chinese hibiscus

1. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Flame of the woods

2. Flame of the woods

The flame of the woods is a popular warm-weather garden shrub due to its versatility and unique, bright red leaves. It can be used as a hedge, in flower beds, or even grown as a small tree. The flame of the woods is also popular as a standalone patio plant because of its hardiness and distinctive appearance. The genus name, Ixora, was derived from a poorly transliterated rendition of the Hindu god, Shiva's name.

Golden pothos

3. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

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Golden trumpet

4. Golden trumpet

Golden trumpet (Allamanda cathartica) is a plant species native to Brazil. Golden trumpet is mentioned in Flora Brasiliensis. It is the official flower of Canovanas, Puerto Rico. If this plant is not pruned, it can grow to a height of 6 m.

Common lantana

5. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Madagascar periwinkle

6. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Garden croton

7. Garden croton

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Ti plant

The ti plant is a palm-like shrub that symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead for some Austronesian cultures, having many ceremonial purposes. In practical terms, ti plant is used to make dyes and is grown for ornamentation.

Hairy beggarticks

9. Hairy beggarticks

Hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa) is a slender, annual flowering plant native to North and South America and grown all over the world. Hairy beggarticks is also called black-jack and devils needles. Seed dispersal occurs with this plant, and its seeds are transported by animals. As a result, hairy beggarticks has become an invasive species in many countries.

Shell ginger

10. Shell ginger

The distinctive shell ginger plant can grow up to 2.5 to 3 m tall. It bears colorful funnel-shaped flowers that have white or pink perianths. The leaves of the shell ginger are edible and are often used as flavorings in dishes or brewed as an herbal tea.

Golden dewdrops

11. Golden dewdrops

Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.

Indian Laurel

12. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Paperflower

13. Paperflower

The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.

Dwarf umbrella tree

14. Dwarf umbrella tree

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

Yakooro

The Barringtonia racemosa was also called yakooro by the indigenous people in some parts of Australia. It can be found in tropical areas around the globe. The roots, bark, and seeds are highly toxic and can be thrown into the water to shock fish. Yakooro bark can also be used to create ropes and cords.

Yellow alder

16. Yellow alder

Yellow alder (Turnera ulmifolia) is a perennial wildflower often found growing along roadsides. It grows erect to 91 cm tall with dark green foliage and bright yellow flowers. Blooms repeatedly and is considered a weed by most. Grows in cultivated and disturbed sites.

Tropical almond

17. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Beach naupaka

18. Beach naupaka

Beach naupaka (Scaevola sericea) is a dense shrub that grows as high as 3 m tall. It grows in dry coastal areas in tropical climates. The fruit of beach naupaka floats and can germinate even after being in salt water for as long as a year.

Philippine ground orchid

19. Philippine ground orchid

Philippine ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) is a tropical plant that has naturalized in Florida Hawaii and throughout the Caribbean. It blooms from spring through summer with 8 to 27 flowers per plant. Blossoms are rich magenta with bright yellow and pink markings. It is self-pollinating and produces seed pods along with blossoms. Has been considered invasive in Hawaii especially in fragile habitats.

Royal poinciana

20. Royal poinciana

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

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