Garcinia subelliptica

Scientific name	Garcinia subelliptica
Common names	Fukugi; happiness tree
Genus	Garcinia
Family	Clusiaceae
Order	Malpighiales
Habit	Evergreen tree
Mature height	2–18 m or more
Years to fruit	Not established; varies with propagation and growing conditions

Garcinia subelliptica is an evergreen coastal tree known as Fukugi or the happiness tree. It occurs from southern Japan's Ryukyu Islands through Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and grows in broad-leaved coastal forests. ^[1] Its accepted species identity places it in the family Clusiaceae and order Malpighiales. ^[2] Plants of the World Online records the species under this name. ^[3]

Description

The species is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree reported at 2–18 m or more in height. It is associated with broad-leaved coastal forest. ^[1]

Fukugi is also planted as a shelterbelt in the Ryukyu Islands, where it tolerates salt-laden winds and typhoon-force winds. That coastal performance should not be treated as proof of tolerance of inland cold, prolonged drought, or poorly drained soil. ^[1]

Cultivation

Soil and water

The species is native to coastal settings and broad-leaved forest. A garden site should provide organic matter, reliable moisture, and drainage rather than prolonged stagnant wetness; species-specific soil-pH and irrigation thresholds are not established. ^[1]

Sun and humidity

Warm, humid coastal conditions are the closest documented cultivation analogue. Sheltered full sun or bright filtered light with good airflow is a cautious starting point, while protection from drying winds is appropriate away from the coast. The exact light level required for best fruiting is not established. ^[1]

Seasonal changes

The available species account does not establish a universal flowering calendar, dormancy pattern, or dry-season requirement. Maintain more even moisture during hot or dry weather and reduce exposure to cold and desiccating wind; local flowering and harvest timing should be recorded rather than generalized. ^[1]

Propagation

Seed is the documented propagation route in the available botanical account. Germination timing, seed storage behavior, juvenile duration, and dependable vegetative methods are not established for this species. ^[1]

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

The available account does not provide a reliable pollination requirement, years-to-first-fruit range, yield range, or universal harvest season. Fruit production should therefore be evaluated from local plants and climate rather than inferred from related Garcinia species. ^[1]

Fruit and uses

Edible use is not established in the available species-specific account. The plant is harvested from the wild for use as an ingredient in cosmetics, and leaf extract is described as a humectant and skin conditioner in commercial cosmetic preparations. These non-food uses do not establish fruit safety or clinical efficacy. ^[1]

The tree is also used as a coastal shelterbelt in the Ryukyu Islands. Its ornamental and wind-buffer roles should be kept distinct from unsupported claims about fruit quality or commercial fruit production. ^[1]

Photos

References

• ↑ [1] Garcinia subelliptica, Useful Tropical Plants.

• ↑ [2] GBIF species match: Garcinia subelliptica. Accessed 30 August 2026.

• ↑ [3] Plants of the World Online: Garcinia subelliptica. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 30 August 2026.

Image credits

• Garcinia subelliptica (200703).jpg — E-190; CC BY-SA 3.0 (also available under GFDL).

• Fukugi Tree (Garcinia subelliptica).jpg — Mokkie; CC BY-SA 3.0.

• Fukugi Tree (Garcinia subelliptica) 1.jpg — Mokkie; CC BY-SA 3.0.