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Buddhist Pine (Inumaki, Kusamaki)
(Podocarpus macrophyllus), Big Leaf Podocarp.
The Japanese name, Kusamaki, is being increasingly used as a replacement for Buddhist Pine, as this name is not accurate as the tree is not a member of the Pine Family.
A small or medium-sized evergreen tree up to 20m. The leaves are deep green, 6-12cm long and 1cm broad with a central rib. It has cones that mature into fleshy, reddish purple berries. The flesh of these is edible, though the inner seeds are not. It grows in forests, thickets and roadsides up to 1000m.
Kusamaki is the State tree of Chiba Prefecture. It is preferred for house building in Okinawa because of its resistance to termites and water damage. It is very important to Chinese feng shui. Its Chinese and English names derive from its frequent planting within shrines and temple grounds.
Key idea: "path of peace". Main colour: violet
Clarifying, purifying. Allowing free flow of creative energy. Clearing away stress that affects enjoyment of life. Peace, joy increases. Return of enthusiasm, enjoyment of all experience. Growth of knowledge, path to self-awareness. Activation of Mind and intellect. Wisdom in action