Species:

(Tsuga diversifolia (Maxim.) Mast.)
-> Genus: Tsuga (Tsuga) -> Family: Pinaceae (Pinaceae) -> Group: Gymnosperms

Habitus

  • tree growing in the homeland to a height of up to 25 m
  • conical crown, deeply rooted
  • branches grow along a spiral almost perpendicularly from the trunk
  • bark is light brown to reddish brown
  • ross is dark brown to gray, shallowly fissured longitudinally

Shoots

  • one-year shoots are yellowish green

Leaves (assimilation organs)

  • assimilation organs are needle-like
  • needles are 5 - 15 x 1.5 - 2.5 mm large, flat, entire edge, almost the same width along the entire length • they are notched at the top, at the base narrowed into a short stem
  • on the upper side they are dark green, shiny, on the lower side with two clearly white bands of vents
  • on the upper side of the shoot they stick out on all sides
  • last for 6 - 8 years

Flowers

  • monoecious tree, flowers of different sexes, blooms in April to May
  • male (♂) cones are broadly ovoid, 3 - 4 mm in size, red to violet, yellowish when ripe, grow from buds on last year's shoots
  • female (♀) cones are 6 - 8 mm in size, ovoid, green to violet, grow from buds on last year's side shoots

Fruits – seeds

  • the fruit is a cone 18 - 20 x 10 mm large, broadly ovoid, almost round when opened, hanging on a stalk about 3 mm long
  • seed scales are round
  • ripens in autumn

Extension

  • originally widespread in Japan, especially in the central and northern part of the island of Honshu at altitudes of 700 - 2,000 m above sea level in areas with a cold and humid climate
  • was introduced to Europe in 1861

Ecology

  • areas with a cold and humid climate suit it
  • it is resistant to frost
  • in Slovakia it often grows only as a shrub or  a small tree

Significance

  • decorative tree with strongly colored needles (bottom side)