old tree of historical interest; famous tree
Refers to a tree that is historically or culturally significant, often protected or designated as a natural monument. The kanji 名木 is especially common for this meaning.
This shrine has a famous old tree that is a thousand years old.
excellent wood; precious wood; choice wood
Refers to high-quality, valuable wood used for fine furniture, crafts, or construction. The kanji 銘木 is often used for this sense, highlighting the wood's distinguished quality.
This furniture is all made using precious wood.
雑木 refers to ordinary, low-value mixed trees, while 銘木 refers to prized, high-value timber trees.
Standard kanji form, especially for sense 1 (old tree of historical interest).
Often used for sense 2 (excellent/precious wood), emphasizing the 'inscribed' or 'notable' quality of the wood.
Compound of 名 (めい, 'famous') or 銘 (めい, 'inscribed, distinguished') and 木 (ぼく, 'tree, wood'). The two kanji forms reflect the dual meanings: a famous tree and high-quality wood.