Cryptomeria japonica - Sickle fir

Cryptomeria japonica, also known as Japanese sickle fir or Sugi (Japanese: 杉), is an evergreen tree from the family of cypress plants (Cupressaceae). This tree species is endemic in Japan and plays a central role in culture, religion and forestry. As one of the most important and most widespread conifers in Japan, Cryptomeria japonica has also become popular as an ornamental and forest tree outside of her homeland, especially in China, Taiwan and Europe.

Morphology

Cryptomeria japonica is a high, slim tree that can reach up to 60 meters in its natural environment and a trunk diameter of 3 meters. The crown is narrow pyramid -shaped in younger trees, and it can become more irregular and wider in older specimens.

The leaves of the Japanese sickle fir are needy -like, about 0.5 to 1 centimeter long and crooked. They stand spirally on the branches and are of a deep green color, which can be easily brown in some varieties in winter. The leaves are hard and stinging, which distinguishes them from many other conifers.

The bark of Cryptomeria japonica is reddish-brown and has a fibrous structure. It tends to loosen into longitudinal strips, which gives the plant a characteristic appearance. This bark is not only a decorative feature, but also plays a role in protecting the tree against external influences such as cold and pest infestation.

The cones of the Japanese sickle fir are spherical, about 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and consist of woody scales. They mature in the first year and contain numerous winged seeds that are spread by the wind.

Distribution and habitat

In their natural distribution in Japan, Cryptomeria japonica grows in the temperate rainforests, especially in the mountain regions of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. The species prefers deep, well -permeable soils that are rich in organic material and thrives in regions with high humidity and sufficient precipitation.

In addition to Japan, Cryptomeria japonica is of course also widespread in China and Taiwan, where it grows in similar climatic conditions. Due to human cultivation, however, the Japanese sickle fir has also established itself in many other parts of the world, including in Europe and North America, where it is often used in gardens, parks and as a windbreak.

Ecology and reproduction

Cryptomeria japonica plays an important role in the forests of Japan. It often forms density, almost monocultural stocks, which represent a characteristic habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The trees offer habitat and food sources for birds, insects and mammals, while their dense crowns shade the ground and create a special microclimate.

The reproduction is mainly via seeds that are released from the tires in spring. Under suitable conditions, the seeds germinate the following spring. In forestry and horticulture, however, Cryptomeria japonica is often increased by cuttings or by planting seedlings to ensure uniform and quick establishment of stocks.

Meaning and use

Cryptomeria japonica has both cultural and economic importance in Japan. In Japanese culture, the tree is often associated with spirituality and purity. Many temples and shrines are surrounded by sickle firs, which are often considered sacred. The wood of the Sugi tree has been used for the construction of shrines, temples and traditional Japanese houses for centuries. It is light, but still robust and has a high resistance to putrefaction, which makes it ideal for the outdoor area.

The wood of the Japanese sickle fir also has a characteristic, pleasant fragrance that comes from the essential oils it contains. This fragrance contributes to the popularity of the wood, which is also used for the production of furniture, fences and as a building material for interior equipment. The importance of Cryptomeria japonica has recently been recognized as a source for essential oils and other bioactive connections that are used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.

Protection and maintenance

Despite her widespread distribution, Cryptomeria japonica is under protection in some regions of Japan, especially in old temple forests, where the trees are sometimes several hundred years old. The preservation of these old stocks is not only important for biodiversity, but also for cultural preservation. In modern forestry, attention is paid to sustainable growing methods in order to maintain the valuable Sugi forests in the long term.