Sciadopitys
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 Sciadopitys verticillata
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| Sciadopitys verticillata (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. |
The Koyamaki (Sciadopitys verticillata) or Japanese Umbrella-pine, is a unique conifer endemic to Japan. It is the sole member of the family Sciadopityaceae and genus Sciadopitys, a living fossil with no close relatives, and known in the fossil record for about 230 million years.
It is an evergreen tree that can grow 15-27m tall, with brown main shoots bearing whorls of 7-12cm long flexible green cladodes which look like, and perform the function of, leaves but are actually composed of stem tissues; occasionally, a cladode will be forked and produce a bud in the 'v' of the fork. The cones are 6-11cm long, mature in about 18 months, and have flattish scales which open to release the seeds.
It is a very attractive tree and is popular in gardens, despite its slow growth rate and high cost.
Koyamaki was chosen as the Japanese Imperial crest for Prince Hisahito of Akishino, currently third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
[edit] References and external links
- Conifer Specialist Group (1998). Sciadopitys verticillata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006.
- Arboretum de Villardebelle Photos: foliage, immature cones
- Arboretum de Villardebelle Photo: mature cone
- Gymnosperm Database
- Photos of plant habit
- Images: Cone,Leaf,Seeds Flavon's Wild herb and Alpine plants
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