ここ京都では、10月の初頭になるとキンモクセイの花が咲きます。つぼみの膨れる様子を確認しようと、毎年意識はするのですが、いつの間にか花が開いて、馥郁とした香りが漂い、香りによって開花に気づきます。中国原産の樹木ですが、すっかり日本の秋の風物詩。移入されたのは雄株ばかりで、結実しないそうです。結実を見るのは、近縁種のウスギモクセイということです。
Here in Kyoto, Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus), bloom at the beginning of October. Every year, I try to keep an eye on the buds as they swell, but before I know it, the flowers open and the fragrant scent wafts through the air. Although this tree is native to China, it has become an autumn tradition in Japan. It is said that only male plants were introduced to Japan, and therefore, they do not bear fruits in Japan. Only the closely related species, the Usugimokusei (Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii), bears fruit.
*****
Photo 2021-10-02
