Blossom Tree Survives Threat of Destruction Thanks to Clever Grass

King's beloved tree avoids becoming a palace pillar through an ingenious plan by its neighbor, the kusha grass.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The king's beloved blossom tree in the palace garden is in danger of being cut down to replace a rotting pillar that is threatening the stability of the entire structure. However, the tree's spirit, which can hear the king's distress, is saved from becoming a pillar when its neighbor, a patch of kusha grass, hatches a clever plan involving camouflaging chameleons to make the tree's trunk appear rotten, convincing the king's woodcutters to spare the tree.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of unexpected alliances and the creative problem-solving that can emerge when different beings work together, even if they are as different in size and stature as a mighty tree and a humble patch of grass. It also explores themes of community, loyalty, and the importance of preserving cherished natural landmarks, even in the face of practical concerns.

The details

When the king's carpenter discovers that the blossom tree's trunk has mysteriously rotted overnight, making it unsuitable to replace the collapsing palace pillar, the king comes up with an alternative plan to bind several smaller trees together instead. However, unbeknownst to the king and his workers, the tree's spirit has been alerted to its impending doom by its neighbor, the kusha grass. The grass calls upon its camouflaging chameleon friends to climb the tree's trunk and blend in, making it appear rotten and unusable to the woodcutters, who then abandon their plan to cut down the beloved blossom tree.

  • At daybreak, the king's woodcutters report to the royal garden to begin cutting down the blossom tree.
  • The carpenter discovers the tree's trunk is mysteriously rotten just as they are about to start chopping it down.

The players

King

The ruler of the kingdom, who deeply loves his blossom tree and is distraught at the prospect of having to cut it down to save his palace.

Carpenter

The head carpenter tasked with overseeing the removal of the blossom tree and finding a replacement for the collapsing palace pillar.

Blossom Tree

The king's prized tree in the palace garden, whose spirit can hear the king's distress and is saved from being cut down thanks to the kusha grass's ingenious plan.

Kusha Grass

A humble patch of grass growing at the base of the blossom tree, which hatches a clever plan involving camouflaging chameleons to save the tree from being destroyed.

Chameleons

The bug-eyed reptiles that camouflage themselves in the kusha grass and climb the blossom tree's trunk, making it appear rotten to the woodcutters.

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What they’re saying

“We must find something else to replace the pillar.”

— King

“If there is NOT ONE tree in this city that can replace the pillar... then don't use ONE!”

— King

“And if it works, I assure you: the king's woodcutters won't just realize they're barking up the wrong tree... they'll make like a tree and leave!”

— Kusha Grass

What’s next

The king will oversee the construction of the new palace pillar, made from a combination of several smaller trees bound together with brass bands.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of unexpected alliances and creative problem-solving, as well as the importance of preserving cherished natural landmarks, even in the face of practical concerns. It highlights how different beings, no matter their size or stature, can work together to achieve a common goal and save something they hold dear.