October 5, 2012

Murasaki-shikibu (Callicarpa japonica) berries in Engaku-ji


This plant is named after a Japanese women author, Murasaki-sikibu, who wrote the daynastical love story titled "The Tale of Genji" in the Heian period (about 1000 AD).

The name of "Murasaki-sikibu" means "a court lady in purple."

The noble purple color of these berries, which is called "Murasaki" in Japanese, is said to bring up the image of this highborn elegant lady of romance.

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