Irukanda blooms first time in four years

Legume plants, called ‘Irukanda’ or ‘Ujirukanda’ in Japanese (Mucuna macrocarpa), have come into bloom for the first time in four years at Kongo Sekirinzan Park in Ginama, Kunigami Village.

Currently about 30 percent of the flowers are in bloom, and they are predicted to be at their best between mid April and beginning of May.

Irukanda is native to subtropical areas, and on Okinawa can only be seen in parts of the northern island. The plant itself grows winding around tree bodies. Its purple flowers hang down like grapes.

The plant is said to be a mystery because its growing areas are very limited, and its blooming is irregular.

09:23 07 Dec , 2024