Japanese name: ギョボク（魚木） Scientific name:Crateva formosensis
[Overview]
A much-branched deciduous small tree about 3 m tall.
It grows on moist limestone ground.
The leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with petioles 5–12 cm long.
The leaflets are elliptic to oblong, 7–16 cm long, pointed at the tip, entire, and have very short stalks.
The lateral leaflets are asymmetrical.
The midrib of the leaf and the petiole are blackish purple.
Corymbs are borne at the branch tips.
Each flower has 4 petals 1–1.5 cm long, which are white at first and gradually turn yellow.
The petals have claws 3–5 mm long.
The stamens and pistil protrude beyond the petals and are conspicuous.
The flower stalks are 3–4 cm long.
The fruit is a berry 3–4 cm long that ripens red.
[Uses]
Because the wood is soft and light, it was used as a material for floats and lures.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings.
It prefers partial shade and fertile, alkaline soil.
[Notes]
The name comes from its use as a material for fish-shaped lures.
