Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: an ethnobotanical approach

Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) trees, native to the Ryukyu Archipelago, serve as cultural keystone species, shaping island landscapes and community identity while providing critical ecosystem services. These evergreen windbreaks, traditionally planted for coastal protection, also hold deep spiritual significance in sacred sites. Field surveys and interviews revealed their multifaceted roles—from timber during hardships to symbolic representations in cities—and highlighted a generational shift in cultural appreciation. The study underscores Fukugi's ecological and socio-cultural importance, advocating for conservation strategies that balance restoration with the preservation of old-growth trees to sustain Ryukyu's unique heritage.

Chen, B., & Akamine, H. (2021). Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: an ethnobotanical approach. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-021-00434-3