Okinawa Churashima Foundation RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Research on subtropical plants

Our project includes scientific research, technology development, dissemination and enlightenment about subtropical plants.
Aiming at “conserving natural environment”, we carry out ex-situ conservation of rare plants of the Ryukyu Islands, compilation of a flora of Iriomote Island, etc. Also, to contribute to “industrial development”, we carry out research about invention, propagation, cultivation, and use of island vegetable, flowers, fruits, foliage plants, etc. Another objective of our project being “improvement of park facility”, we do research about urban greening, collecting and exhibiting tropical & subtropical plants.

Scientific Research about Ex-situ Conservation of Wild Plants of the Ryukyu Islands

Focusing on endangered species such as Dendrobium okinawense and Diploprora championii, we carry out study on their natural habitat while developing their cultivation & propagation technique as well as various conservation projects.

Investigation of a Flora of Iriomote Island

Aiming at elucidation of vascular plant flora of Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site, we carry out field research and specimen study, and compile a flora of Iriomote Island. We also make suggestion about conservation of the island’s flora.

Scientific Research about Island Vegetables and Native Okinawan Plants

Aiming at dissemination in local region, we collect island vegetables and herbs, and carry out cultivation test, and establish cultivation technique as well as selecting superior lineage.

Production of Ornamental Plants Using Native Okinawan Plants

Aiming at industrial contribution, we develop and disseminate new ornamental plants that suit Okinawan climate by using native plants of the island.

Mass Propagation of Useful Plants

We carry out research about production of superior seedlings of locally grown tropical fruits, foliage plants, orchids, etc.

Development of Cultivation Facilities in Subtropical Region

During summer time in Okinawa, it is difficult to get stable produce of vegetable due to high temperature and typhoon. To solve the problem, we develop cultivation facility and establish the cultivation technique that is not affected by the weather.

Maintenance Technique and Conservation of Urban Greening Trees

We carry out research on disease and pest of the trees like Garcinia subelliptica and Bischofia javanica, which we hope will lead to identification of pathogenic bacteria and medicine registration. Also, to avoid damage of the wind-fallen trees, we inspect trees in the non-destructive manner by using gamma ray to find out the state in a tree.

Research about Interior Green and its Effect as a Stress Inhibitor in the Office

To contribute to industrial development, we are testing indoor greening in the office environment to see its psychological and physiological effect as well as air cleaning effect.

Research about Environment Greening such as Wall Greening

Aiming at selection of wall and roof greening plants that suit growing environment in Okinawa, we carry out cultivation test of vine plants on the lattice as well as roof plants under extensive condition.

Use and Development of Lawn, Groundcover, Flowering Plants

Decoration techniques using flowering plants have been developed from flat surface to three-dimensional figure. They are also created not only in the open field but also on the wall or roof. We develop tree-dimensional Mosaiculture and wall decoration techniques along with research of the plant materials.

Introduction and Fertility Management of Useful Plants such as Orchids, Tropical Fruit & Flower Trees, Foliage Plants

Along with the active introduction of useful plants, we carry out technical development of fertility management in large container growing tropical fruits like durian, mangosteen, Mango, and tropical flower trees like Bougainvillea Golden Shower, etc.

Okinawa Churashima Foundation Research Institute