Cryptomeria+japonica



This is an extremely fast-growing plant that, in its native habitat, can grow up to 180 feet, with a drunk diameter of over 12 feet. It is a forest tree that is native to Japan, and does best on the lower slopes of mountains, where rainfall is high. It is one of the few conifers that will coppice - which means sprout back from cut stumps. It is the only species in its genus. Even though it is known as a Japanese cedar, the tree is not actually related to cedars.
 * Historical origins of the plant:**

This plant is called Sugi in Japan, and it is their national tree. This plant has been used as an oriental for centuries in Japan, especially around temples and shrines. It is mainly used as decoration in gardens and landscapes, and they are usually used in small groups to create a visual screen or windbreak. It is a great species to use as a windbreak because of its growth and ability to coppice. When the trees grow too tall, simply cut them back and let the plants start all over again. Japanese also use its wood in building and homes construction and for furniture. In the US, it is too large to use in residential landscaping, and is usually used against very large buildings, to soften the landscape's overall visual effect.
 * Cultural significance of the plant:**

This plant has been cultivated in China for so long, that some argue the species is native. However, there is no evidence that the species ever occurred wild in the area. There are over 200 cultivators of the Cryptomeria japonica, but very few are available in the United States. It can be grown in in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9, and is mainly found in areas of North Carolina and Louisiana. It is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in North America, and "Elegan" is the most common cultivator of the species. It is commonly used in rock gardens and for bonsai, and grows 5-10 meters in height.
 * Importation or cultivation of the plant in the United States:**

While it's difficult to find the US connection with this species of plant, it can be used when talking about Japan. Being the national tree of Japan, it could be discussed when introducing a unit on Japan. Why did the Japanese choose this particular tree to be their national tree? Why do the Japanese choose to decorate their temples and shrines with this tree? We could explore the background behind the species and take a closer look at its historical origins. Perhaps students could examine national trees of other countries, or even states within the United States, and determine how they picked their national tree also.
 * Description of what we can learn about culture (in the U.S. or in the place of origin for the plant):**

http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cryp_jap.cfm http://www.ehow.com/about_7221877_cryptomeria-tree.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptomeria
 * Sources:**