10th April – 卯月
Big red flower petals with yellow vivid style, this gorgeous flower is called 椿 (Tsubaki) and often drawn on the Kimonos. Many people might think this lower blooms in winter time, however some species are blooming in April. It generally blooms between December and April and this flower does not have smells – this is because the vivid red or pink-colored flower itself already can bring many insects and birds’ attention so no need to release the smells.
The name Tsubaki was believed to be named after the looks of leaves of Tsubaki. As Tsubaki has thick (厚い, Atsui) and glossy (光沢, koutaku) leaves, it might come from Kanjis such as 厚葉木(Atsubaki) or 光沢木 (Tuyaki).
There are similar flower species called 山茶花 (Sazanka), and many people confuse with those species. To tell the differences, you can check;
-The blooming season: Sazanka blooms during October – December
-The leaves: leaf vein of Sazanka is black and leaves have more detailed jagged edges than Tsubakis’. Sazanka leaves have hairs bedind
-The way of withering: Sazankas’ petals fall when withering, Tsubaki falls whole flower when withering
If you know those point, you might make others surprise!
As Tsubaki falls whole flower when withering, it used to be hated by Samurai, as the way of falling down from the neck of the flower reminded them of defeated soldiers who were cut the neck. However, the language of the flower for Tsubaki is ‘beauty of humbleness’ ‘noble flower’, therefore it is now popular and painted for many items.
One thing that you need to be careful when seeing and touching Tsubaki is, the hairy caterpillar called チャドクガ (Chadokuga). Their hair have poison and if you touched this, you will feel intense itchiness and bring eczema. Even their left hair on the leaves give the same symptom. Tsubaki is where Chadokuga love to stay and eat its leaves, therefore, if you see the bitten leaves, it is recommended to stay away from the trees. As the hair of Chadokuga can fly away with the wind and gives you the same symptom as touching it. Even there are no clues of Chadokuga, it is still better to wear the gloves touch Tsubaki.
Little Japan Dictionary 