Osmanthus fragrans

Plant Profile:

Ancient Greek: osmḗ = fragrance, ánthos = flower
Latin: fragrans = fragrance
English: Sweet olive, tea olive, fragrant olive
Flower period in Japan: middle of September – end of October
Color of flowers: Orange
Soil: rich fertile soil, well drained garden soil
Exposition: from sun to shade. Harsh afternoon sun in summer might harm the tree.
Hardiness: 8b – 11 Height: 3–12 m (9.8–39.4 ft)
Evergreen shrub/small tree

When talking about Osmanthus in Japan, we should first look over at China from where this tree came to Japan. China definitely has the more interesting tales around this plant!

While in Japan the subspecies „Kinmokusei“ and „Ginmokusei“ are found most often, in China the common Osmanthus fragrans is found in various cities as a town tree.
This evergreen shrub/ small tree is closely connected to the autumnal harvest festival and therefore the moon.
One tale is known in many variations where Wu Gang is cutting down an Osmanthus on the moon which is endlessly regrowing.
First, the moon phases were explained as a tree growing and shadowing parts of the moon. In the later tales the shadows on the moon were explained by the growing tree. Osmanthus was picked in most of the variations of the story as the tree growing on the moon because it is flowering at the time when the Mid-Autumn festival is held. In many parts of the world we find that the time to harvest was determined by the moon and celebrated with a fest.
In China, many desserts, dishes, and drinks are flavored with Osmanthus, especially such associated with said festival.

Etymology:

In China, the Osmanthus is written with these Kanji: 丹桂 or, as a common name, 桂花. They are completely different from what we use in Japanese: (金)木犀. The first character of the Chinese version is associated with the color vermilion in Japanese. The second character with another tree, the Japananese Judas-tree or cinnamon tree.
The Japanese version of writing its name though, has the Kanji for „gold“ – 金 – kin, „tree“ – 木 – moku, and „rhino“ – 犀 – sai/sei.

The gold in its name comes, of course from the color of its flowers, which are deeply orange. The „tree rhino“ comes from the appearance of the bark of the tree. It looks like the leg of a rhino!

The Flowers:

Other color variations are carrying different names and are also other subspecies like the Ginmokusei (silver sweet olive) Osmanthus fragrans var. fragrans, Usugimokusei Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus f. thunbergii, or Shiromokusei Osmanthus fragrans aurantiacus f. leucanthus. All of these don’t share Kinmokusei’s orange flowers but it’s fragrance.

When the flowering season of Kinmokusei approaches, we know it immediately by the intense smell in the streets. Often, you notice the scent far before finding the tree in your neighborhood.

When talking to Japanese people who were raised in the Showa period or parents raising kids during that time, the odeur of Kinmokusei is closely connected to toilet cleaners. Maybe one reason why this small tree isn’t so popular anymore.

The Language of Flowers:

Now that we know of Kinmokusei‘s origin, let’s talk about its meaning in Japan. Many flowers here have special meanings and Osmanthus is no exception.
There are five main meaning for this plant in Japan:
1. Humility
2. Nobility
3. Truth
4. Euphoria
5. First love

Humility
This comes from the tiny flowers which have a humble appearance.

Nobility
Is actually referring to a nobel person. There are two stories behind this meaning. One is Japanese and comes from an autumn rain when the seasons turn. Somehow a nobel person is associated with this feeling. The other story behind this meaning is again Chinese and came from Osmanthus being used as a parfume which was quite expensive and could only be afforded by richer people.

Truth
Osmanthus‘ odeur is so intensive that it is impossible to deny it. This is the spring of „truth“.

Euphoria
The scent of the flowers makes you pleasantly tipsy. A feeling of euphoria.

First love
The first sweet love and the scent of Osmanthus will never be forgotten. Linking this plant and „hatsukoi“ – the first love.

Uses different from cuisine:

In one part of India, the flowers are used as insect repellents for clothes. Like lavender is used in Europe for example.

In Medicine:

In Chinese medicine, Osmanthus is used to treat irregular menstruation.  In Japanese medicine it can be found to help agains toothache, bad sleep, or low blood pressure. Always consult a doctor when you are interested in traditional medicine!

Sources:
https://horti.jp/1311
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmanthus_fragrans

Related products:

Auspicious Plants
Available as PDF 4.95$
Buy / Preview
Click for More Information

Plants in the Japanese Garden
Vol. 1
Available as PDF 4.95$
Buy / Preview
Click for More Information

Anika

With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.

View all posts by Anika