Holly Olive ( Hi-ragi )
(Osmanthus heterophyllus), holly osmanthus, false holly, hihiragi, is native to central and southern Japan. An evergreen shrub or small tree (up to 8m). Leaves are opposite and take two forms: upper leaves are smooth, glossy and entire, whilst lower leaves bear between one to four long, spine -tipped teeth on each side. The flowers are very fragrant, white and appear in the autumn. The fruit is an ovoid, dark purple drupe that ripens the following year.
In the Kojiki it is mentioned in relationship to Hihiragi-no-sono-hana-madzumi-no-kami (‘Spirit waiting to see the flowers of the osmanthus’), and as a spear of osmanthus wood given from the Emperor to Prince Yamatotake before he leaves to subdue the east.
Key idea: "tranquil view". Main colour: blue
Peace that allows deep insight. Seeing ways beyond states of unhappiness. Transformation of anger and other strong, imbalanced emotions. Security within oneself. Inspiration and flow of life-energy. Activation of personal potential, protection of core energies. Reduction of all frictions.