戸越八幡神社のケンポナシ

It is the first large tree certified as a Japanese tree heritage as a natural monument with a height of 18 meters and a height of 250 to 300 years that rises in the back of Togoshi Shrine. Hovenia dulcis is a tree species that cannot be heard, but the fruits are eaten as sweet as pears and are effective against hangovers. You can also decoct the leaves and bark and drink it like tea. It seems that the distribution range has been expanded by eating fruits from masked palm civet and raccoon dog, but in recent years urbanization has progressed and it seems that it has become a valuable plant because there is no space for animals and raccoon dogs to grow. According to the chief priest of Gyokei-ji Temple, which is adjacent to Togoshi Hachiman, the side samurai other than the principal image of Gyokei-ji Temple were burned in the air raids of the Pacific War, so it is miraculous that Kemponashi survived the air raids. I think it was a thing. The shrine side also seems to value this Hovenia dulcis in particular, and it seems that the adjacent Ilex is cut down to secure sunshine. It seems that the two honeybees also coexist, and it made me feel once again that the shrine is a precious green space left in the area. [Hereafter, I will post the description of the signboard] Hovenia dulcis is a deciduous tree belonging to the buckthorn family, and has many small pale yellow flowers in summer. The flesh is spherical, ripens purple-black from September to October, and is sweet and edible. The circumference of the trunk of the main tree is about 2.5 meters. It is 18 meters high and is estimated to be 250 to 300 years old. Originally, the trunk was double-barreled, but the right side has died and is now single-barreled. In recent years, Hovenia dulcis has almost disappeared in the metropolitan area, and the existence of this tree is valuable.