Nandina domestica (sacred bamboo) of Amami

The Nanten plant (Nandina domestica or sacred bamboo), is native to China but in Japan it is regarded as a member of the Japanese Barberry family of evergreen shrubs. It grows in forests with rich topsoil west of the Kanto region, and in our city it can be found mainly in the Amami and Nagaredani areas, growing around houses, rock walls and fields.Its flowering period lasts from June to July, and around December it bears bright red berries.It is used in flower arrangements for the New Year period, and also for medicinal purposes.