(Cryptomeria japonica (L. f.) D. Don)
Habitus
- tree growing to a height of up to 70 m
- crown is wide conical, the branches grow along the spiral
- the bark and bork are red-brown split into long, relatively narrow strips
Leaves (assimilation organs)
- the assimilation organs are needle-like, the needles are 10 - 20 x 2 mm large, pointed, compressed from the sides, sessile, firm
- on the twig they are built along a spiral in regular five rows, they point in all directions, in summer they are light green and darker in winter
- they lasts ± 5 years on the twig
Flowers
- wood is monoecious, flowers are of different sexes, cone-shaped
- ♂ cones are spike-like piled at the end of the branches (often in larger quantities) in the axils of the needles
Fruits – seeds
- the fruit is a cone 15 - 30 mm in size, spherical, red-brown, at maturity on a short stem
- cone is non-degradable
- seed scales are woody, ending in 4 - 5 spikes
- they last 1 - 2 years on the tree
- seed is 7 - 8 x 2 - 3 mm large, oval, compressed, triangular in cross-section, dark brown with 2 - 3 narrow wings
Extension
- it originally grows in the mountains of southern Japan on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu in altitudes 600 - 1,200 (1,900) m above the sea level
- it forms homogeneous or mixed stands
- it was introduced to Europe in 1842
Ecology
- shade-loving tree
- it grows in areas with a humid climate and sufficient rainfall throughout the year
- it is damaged by late frosts, heavy snow
- does not tolerate drought
- long-lived tree, more than 1000 years
Significance
- valuable decorative tree, creates multiple growths forms
- it is recommended to plant on protected areas
