Among the flora in Japan, there is one tiny beauty, taking up a role in several stories and leaving a footprint in the river of history. The oriental paperbush blooms tiny flowers with a wonderful fragrance and also plays an important role in Japanese culture.

The oriental paperbush comes from southwestern China, Nepal, and Japan. This flower was incorporated into the making of traditional Japanese paper (Washi). The flower's bark fibers are combined with other plants to make the thin but durable paper. Thus, it is called "paperbush."

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

For more articles and pictures, please click here:

The double coconut: The rare-shaped plant from Seychelles

The pomegranate: Symbol of Granada, Spain

Blue water lily: The sacred flower of ancient Egypt

(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Qu bo.)

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