Schizophragma+hydrangeoides



Schizophragma Hydrangeoides - strawberry leaf, Japanese climbing hydrangea

This flowering vine originated in Korea and Japan, but has since been grown in various places around the world. Belonging to the hydrangea group, it has many uses and significant cultural value. A sweet tea can be made from fresh, crumpled, steamed, and dried leaves. The tea is usually used for kan-butsu-e "the Buddha bathing ceremony" in which tea is poured over a statue of Buddha in a ceremony and then served to those in attendance. According to legend, when Buddha was born, nine dragons poured amrita over him, but the Japanese substituted their own tea. Hydrangeas from Japan are forbidden for importation in the US so mostly likely a hybrid version of the plant was cultivated in Europe, and then introduced to the United States. It is not commonly grown in the US, but the flowering versions are for their bright and large blooms of flowers. Through this plant, we could explore Japanese religion and rituals, compare Buddhism to other religions (Christianity, Islam, etc), and also further investigate why it is that the United States does not allow its importation from Japan (US/Japan relations).