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The "Yadori-kokemomo" (Vaccinium amamianum) belongs to Ericaceae (the Azalea family). It is an evergreen shrub that is endemic to Amami Oshima in Japan. It grows epiphytically on the trunks of old "Suda-jii" trees found in evergreen forests ranging from lowlands to mountainous areas, reaching a height of 20 to 60 cm. Its roots feature tuberous roots used for water storage. The branches hang down from the point where the plant attaches to the tree. The leaves are elliptical, leathery, and arranged alternately. Around late May, it produces white, reddish, urn-shaped flowers in the upper leaf axils. The fruit is a berry that ripens to a purple color. It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List.
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