(Tsuga diversifolia (Maxim.) Mast.)
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)
