Let's admire the tropical flowers that can be seen in Okinawa

[Bright red hibiscus flowers in bloom | Kumejima Island]

Okinawa, a tropical paradise, enjoys a warm climate all year round.
Even in winter, when Honshu is covered in cold, you can see a variety of colorful flowers.

Hibiscus, as well as the deigo tree, famous from island songs.
You might not even notice them when you're walking along, but there are so many different kinds!

This time, we'll introduce some flowers that can be commonly seen in Okinawa.
We'll highlight the peak season, characteristics, and stories related to each flower.

If you're ever visiting Okinawa, be sure to check it out.

<Contents>
1. Flowers of Okinawa that bloom in spring, summer, autumn, and winter
1-1 Hibiscus
1-2 Bougainvillea
1-3 Sandanka
1-4 Kanhizakura
1-5 Shikuwasa
1-6 Easter Lily
1-7 Deigo
1-8 Getto
1-9 Caesalpinia scoparius
1-10 Barringtonia racemosa
1-11 Allamanda
1-12 Plumeria
2. Conclusion

1. Flowers of Okinawa that bloom in spring, summer, autumn, and winter

1-1 Hibiscus

©OCVB
First, let me introduce the hibiscus, which is practically synonymous with tropical flowers.

They are planted on the grounds of resort hotels and as saplings in department stores, so many people have probably seen them before.
While the image of bright red petals is strong, it is said that there are actually as many as 250 varieties in total, including yellow, pink, and white.

The photo of the hibiscus at the beginning was taken by the author on Kumejima Island. The bright red flower blooming against the backdrop of blue leaves is absolutely beautiful, isn't it?

The flower's meaning is "new love." This is a perfectly fitting meaning for the hibiscus, which blooms with new flowers every day.

In Okinawa, it's called Akabana.

2. Bougainvillea

©OCVB
Next up is the bougainvillea.

What looks like pink flowers are actually parts of leaves that have changed color, and the small white things around them are the actual flowers.

In any case, the vivid colors really match the Okinawan scenery, don't they? There are also about 18 other varieties, including red, orange, and white.

Its flower meanings are "passion, charm, and enthusiasm," making it a heartwarming choice for a gift.

While bougainvillea is not uncommon in Okinawa, the bougainvillea on Taketomi Island is particularly breathtaking!
You'll surely be captivated by the contrast with the white sandy path.

3. Sandanka

©OCVB
The "Sandanka" flower is also known as one of Okinawa's three most famous flowers.

Despite being a shrub, its dense clusters of small petals give it an undeniable presence!

While they are generally said to bloom from May to November, in warm Okinawa they can be seen all year round and are a familiar sight.

The flower's meaning is "a gift to God."
In India, it seems to have been offered as a tribute to the god Shiva since ancient times.

When you visit Okinawa, be sure to pay attention to the sidewalks and try to spot them!

4. Kanhizakura (Taiwan cherry blossom)

©OCVB
The "Kanhizakura" cherry blossom blooms in the middle of winter.

Characterized by its deep pink color, the bell-shaped petals bloom facing downwards. It has a different charm from the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms that are common on Honshu.

In January and February, the flowers begin to bloom in the northern part of the region, and cherry blossom festivals are held in various places during this time.
Many of these places are lit up at night, so it's a great idea to include them in your date plans.

Its beauty certainly justifies its flower meaning, "a stunning beauty."

Incidentally, in Okinawa, there is no custom of gathering around cherry blossom trees for a picnic, and the blossoms have already fallen by the time of the school entrance ceremonies.
One of the things that makes me realize how different things can be, even within Japan!

5. Shikuwasa

©OCVB
Shikuwasa, a citrus fruit from Okinawa, is, as its appearance suggests, a member of the citrus family.
You might imagine it as having small, green fruits, but in fact, it also produces tiny white flowers in January.

In the Okinawan language, "shi" in shikwasa means sour and "kuwasa" means to feed, so it is literally a fruit overflowing with sourness.
The Satsuma mandarin oranges commonly eaten on Honshu are a variety that was developed by selectively breeding this type of fruit.

The flower language of the "shikuwasa" is elegance.
Although its fruit is more well-known than its flowers, the elegant, pure white blossoms emit a sweet, pleasant fragrance.

One of the amazing things about the shikwasa is that it's said that if it flowers, it will almost certainly bear fruit.
When you visit Okinawa, be sure to try it mixed with awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) or other Okinawan beverages.

6. Easter Lily

©OCVB
Named after the tubular shape of its flowers, the "Teppouyuri" (Easter Lily) is a member of the lily family, genus Lilium.
It's a relatively easy variety to grow, and you can see it growing wild in many places in Okinawa.

The peak season for these "trumpet lilies" is from late April to around May.

On Ie Island, a remote island in northern Okinawa, the Ie Island Lily Festival is held every year, where you can admire the sight of approximately 100 million "Teppou Lilies" in full bloom.

The flower language of the trumpet lily is "purity," and it is said that the trumpet lily is also used as a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary.

If you're visiting Okinawa during Golden Week, why not check it out?

7. Deigo

©OCVB
The "Deigo" is one of Okinawa's three most famous flowers and is also the prefectural flower of Okinawa.
This is the "Deigo" from the familiar lyrics of the island song, "The Deigo flowers bloom, calling the wind and bringing a storm."

It reaches its peak around April to May, blooming in early summer, a period known as "Urizun."

The "Deigo" flower, with its alluring and beautiful bright red petals, is said to bring a year with many typhoons when it is in full bloom.

In Okinawa, it has long been known for its strong roots and ability to grow into a large tree, so much so that it's sometimes called "yashiki kōsa" (destroying houses).
You can probably understand why its flower meaning is "life and vitality."

The coral tree doesn't bloom every year, but the superstition about typhoons makes me hesitate (lol).

8. Getto

©OCVB
From April to July, the "Getto" plant blooms with pinkish-white, peach-shaped flowers. This is the origin of the name "Getto" (meaning "ginger lily"), and it is characterized by its refreshing fragrance.

The leaves of the "Getto" plant are used to wrap the traditional sweet mochi, and the essential oil extracted from them is often used in spas and other beauty treatments.
In Okinawa, it's a familiar part of daily life and is affectionately known as "sannin."

The flower's meaning, fitting for the fragrance of the "Getto" flower, is "refreshing love."

You might consider bringing home some Okinawan souvenirs that feature the refreshing scent of "Gettou" (a type of ginger lily), such as tea, lotion, or air freshener.

9. Caesalpinia spp.

©OCVB
The last of Okinawa's three most famous flowers is the "Great White Butterfly."

It's said that the best time to see them is from May to November, but it seems they can be seen all year round.

The name "Ōgochō" (大胡蝶) comes from the fact that its petals resemble flying butterflies.
Don't you think the ten long, extended stamens enhance its beauty even more?

The flower's meaning is "Living true to yourself is the best," and knowing that gives me renewed energy!

Following the coral tree and the sandalwood tree, here's another bright red flower; it seems the people of Okinawa Prefecture really like red.

10. Barringtonia racemosa

©OCVB
Barringtonia racemosa, a flower found in Southeast Asia and other regions.
In Okinawa, they are at their best to see from June to late July and grow wild in wetlands such as mangrove forests.

Its most distinctive feature is undoubtedly that it blooms in the middle of the night and wilts by the next morning.

The fluffy pink stamens are as beautiful as fireworks lighting up the night sky, and it's also known as the "phantom flower."

The flower's meaning is "good fortune will come."
During the season, tours to see the "Sagari-bana" flowers are also held, so joining one of those might be a good idea.

May happiness come to whoever finds it...

11. Allamanda

It's also the name of a resort on Miyako Island, so some of you may have heard of it.

While the flowering season is generally considered to be June to July, in warmer climates, they can often be seen year-round.

The flower meanings of the "Allamanda" include phrases like "before falling in love" and "hidden beauty," all of which evoke the image of a beautiful woman.

Please take the time to see the flowers blooming towards the sparkling Okinawan sun.

12. Plumeria

While the yellow and white petals shown in the picture are well-known, research reveals that there are actually over 200 different varieties.

Among tropical flowers, it is sensitive to cold, and its best viewing period is from June to October.
It has a sweet fragrance and is used as a material for leis (flower necklaces) in Hawaii and Tahiti.

Despite its beauty, the tree is poisonous when its stems and leaves are cut.
It can cause itchy dermatitis if it comes into contact with the skin, and vomiting and arrhythmias if it enters the body.

Despite its flower meaning of "shy maiden," don't forget that it also possesses a dark inner side...

2. Conclusion

[Plumeria with lovely pale colors | Shuri Kinjo Stone Pavement Path]
We've introduced 12 different types of flowers that bloom in Okinawa.

While there are many different kinds of flowers in Okinawa, this time we've chosen some that truly capture the essence of Okinawa!
When you're walking the streets of Okinawa or strolling around the hotel grounds, I would be happy if this could give you even a little bit of thought.

The beauty of the sea goes without saying, but why not also admire the flowers that add color to the seasons?