Garcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) is an evergreen tropical tree, first identified in Batanes, the Philippines, which has been planted as a homestead windbreak and in coastal forests extensively on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This article focuses on the traditional uses and cultural values of Fukugi trees and provides ethnobotanical information for the conservation scheme of this important tree species. A combination of ecological and ethnobotanical approaches was applied in this study. Extensive field surveys were conducted to collect dimensions of relatively large trees, and in-depth interviews with the village leaders and knowledgeable persons were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. Fukugi trees have been primarily planted as homestead or farmland windbreaks. Timber was harvested during difficult times, for example, after WWII, and used for recreational purposes for children or farmers. The fruits were also eaten on some remote islands. Old-growth Fukugi trees are widely found in sacred sites, within cities, and as symbolic trees. The older generations respect Fukugi trees; however, the cultural significance valued by older generation seems to be lacking in the younger generation. We argue that Fukugi is a cultural keystone species in Okinawa, which underpins Ryukyu culture and has transformed islands into a pleasant land, a unique place, and shared identity for the community. Fukugi windbreaks provide significant ecosystem services, such as biodiversity in the forest, reducing soil erosion, and spiritual and cultural values. A combination of biophysical environment, as well as tradition and custom, has played an essential role in tree species selection for windbreaks. The positive impacts that anthropogenic activities have had on the sustainability of woody species, namely, the active utilization of tree species, may have enabled the species to sustain. Strategies for protecting old-growth Fukugi trees, in addition to restoration of damaged trees, are needed to improve the sustainable management of Fukugi trees in Okinawa.

中文翻译：

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宅基地防风林木（藤黄）的分布和利用：一种民族植物学方法

藤黄（Garcinia subelliptica）（日语为Fukugi）是一棵常绿的热带树，最初在菲律宾的巴塔内斯（Batanes）鉴定，该树已作为家园防风林和日本琉球群岛的沿海森林广泛种植。本文着重介绍福吉树的传统用途和文化价值，并为该重要树种的保护计划提供了民族植物学信息。生态学和民族植物学方法的结合被应用在这项研究中。进行了广泛的实地调查，以收集较大树木的尺寸，并与村领导和知识渊博的人进行了深入访谈，以收集民族植物学数据。福吉树主要是作为宅基地或农田防风林种植的。木材是在困难时期收获的，例如第二次世界大战后，并用于儿童或农民的娱乐目的。在一些偏远的岛屿上也吃了水果。古老的Fukugi树在圣地，城市内和象征树中广泛发现。老一辈尊重福木树。但是，年轻一代似乎缺乏老年人所重视的文化意义。我们认为，福冈是冲绳的文化基石种，它支撑着琉球文化，并将岛屿变成了宜人的土地，独特的地方和社区的共同身份。福吉防风林提供重要的生态系统服务，例如森林中的生物多样性，减少水土流失以及精神和文化价值。生物物理环境以及传统与习俗的结合在防风林树木选择中发挥了至关重要的作用。人为活动对木本物种可持续性的积极影响，即树种的积极利用，可能使该物种得以维持。除了恢复受损树木之外，还需要采取策略保护旧的福吉树，以改善冲绳岛福吉树的可持续管理。