Lycium sandwicens

Lycium sandwicens, commonly known as Atsubakuko (厚葉枸杞), is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and the genus Lycium. It is native to Japan and the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known by other names such as Hamakuko and Umigumi. In Japan, it grows naturally on rocky coastal areas of the Ogasawara Islands and the Daito Islands.

The shrub grows to a height of 90–120 cm. Its stems branch from the lower parts and spread horizontally, forming dense branches. The leaves are thick, yellow-green, spatula-shaped, with smooth margins, and are arranged alternately. The leaves are designed to tolerate dryness, with rounded tips.

From July to February of the following year, the plant produces one pale purple, funnel-shaped flower at the tip of short branches. The flower has 4–5 lobes. In September, it bears spherical red berries. Inside the berries are light brown, broadly oval seeds.

Uses: The fruit is edible and can be used for fruit liquor. The leaves and stems are decocted and used as a tonic.

Origin of the Name
The species epithet "sandwicens" means "of Hawaii," named after the Sandwich Islands (the old name for the Hawaiian Islands), a term attributed to James Cook, who named the islands after the Earl of Sandwich, the then British Navy Lord.

Common name: Atsubakuko (厚葉枸杞)
Scientific name: Lycium sandwicens
Other names: Hamakuko (浜枸杞), Umigumi (海茱萸)
Native range: Japan (Ogasawara Islands, Daito Islands), Hawaiian Islands
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Solanales, Family Solanaceae, Genus Lycium

Habitat: Rocky coastal areas
Growth habit: Evergreen shrub
Height: 90–120 cm
Leaf characteristics: Thick for drought resistance, yellow-green, spatula-shaped, 1–2.5 cm long, 2.5–5 mm wide, with smooth edges, alternately arranged
Flowering period: July–February
Flower features: Pale purple, funnel-shaped, 4–5 lobes, 0.6 cm in length
Fruit: Spherical red berry, 0.8 cm in diameter, containing light brown, broadly oval seeds (0.15 cm long)
Uses: Edible fruit, fruit liquor, and tonic made from leaves and stems

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