ウスノキの冬芽：Usunoki (Vaccinium hirtum)

亀山公園に一株だけを認めているウスノキ（カクミノスノキ）です。冬芽を形成して、枝が赤く染まっています。今年の秋に果実に気づいて存在を知りました。黄葉もきれいです。来年は芽吹きから落葉まで丁寧に観察したいと思います。果実が少々角張り、かつ先端がくぼんでいて、臼のように見えることから、名前が付いたと聞いています。

This is the winter bud of Usunoki (Kakuminosunoki). So far I have found only one in Kameyama Park. The tree has formed winter buds and its branches are turning red. I learned of its existence when I noticed the pretty red fruits this fall. The red leaves were also beautiful in late fall. Next year, I plan to periodically observe the plant from budburst to leaf fall. I heard that it got its name from the shape of the fruit. The fruit of this tree is slightly angular and has a concave tip, making it look like a mortar.

*****

Photos 2021-12-28