Cryptomeria
Monotypic conifer genus endemic to Japan, valued for timber and ornament.
Cryptomeria is a monotypic genus of conifer in the cypress family Cupressaceae, comprising only the species Cryptomeria japonica. Endemic to Japan, where it is known as Sugi, it is also called Japanese cedar or Japanese redwood. The tree has been extensively introduced and cultivated for wood production, notably on the Azores, and is widely grown as an ornamental in temperate regions.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Cryptomeria
- Species
- japonica
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Cryptomeria japonica is a very large coniferous tree, reaching up to 60 m tall and 4 m in trunk diameter, with red-brown bark peeling in vertical strips. Its leaves are needle-like, arranged spirally, and its seed cones are globular with 20–40 scales. It is superficially similar to the giant sequoia but can be differentiated by longer leaves and smaller cones. Prior to 1916, the sylvics expert E.H. Wilson measured a sugi on Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, which stood 50 m tall and approximately 24.3 m in girth at breast height.
Reader's Guide
Cryptomeria japonica has been cultivated in China for so long that it is frequently thought to be native there, though genetic analysis of the famous population on Tianmu Mountain supports an introduced origin. Outside its native range, it was introduced to the Azores in the mid 19th century for wood production and is now the most cultivated species there, occupying over 12,698 hectares. The timber is fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, and low in density, used for staves, tubs, furniture, and construction. In Japan, the coppicing method of daisugi is sometimes used to harvest logs. The tree is also widely planted as an ornamental, with numerous cultivars, and is commonly planted around temples and shrines. The Cedar Avenue of Nikkō, over 65 km long, was planted by a feudal lord to provide shade for visitors. The Jōmon Sugi on Yakushima is estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old. Cryptomeria pollen is a major cause of hay fever in Japan.
Did You Know?
- Cryptomeria is a monotypic genus, containing only the species Cryptomeria japonica.
- The tree is also called Japanese cedar or Japanese redwood in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cryptomeria?
Cryptomeria is a single-species conifer genus in the cypress family (Cupressaceae) that contains only one member, Cryptomeria japonica. It goes by several common names, including Japanese cedar, Japanese redwood, and simply Sugi in Japanese.
Where is Cryptomeria native to?
It is endemic to Japan, meaning it occurs in the wild nowhere else on Earth. That said, it has been widely planted as a timber crop and ornamental across temperate regions, with notable cultivation on the Azores.
How large can Cryptomeria grow?
Under favorable conditions, individual specimens can reach roughly 60 metres (200 ft) in height with trunk diameters up to about 4 metres (13 ft).
Why is Cryptomeria considered important?
It is a major timber species in Japan and has been cultivated extensively for wood production in places like the Azores. Beyond its economic value, it carries deep cultural significance in Japanese tradition and is a popular ornamental in gardens worldwide.
Is Cryptomeria actually a redwood?
Despite the nickname "Japanese redwood," it has no taxonomic connection to true redwoods such as Sequoia or Sequoiadendron. It sits in the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is a monotypic genus with just one species.
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