noun
spearflower; Ardisia japonica
A small evergreen shrub native to East Asia, often used in traditional New Year's decorations and as a garden plant. The name is usually written in kana.
ヤブコウジはお正月の飾りによく使われる。
Spearflower is often used in New Year's decorations.
庭の隅にヤブコウジが群生している。
Spearflower grows in clusters in the corner of the garden.
The name ヤブコウジ literally means 'bush pepper' (藪 yabu 'thicket' + 柑子 kōji 'citrus'), possibly referring to its small red fruits resembling citrus. The exact derivation is uncertain.