Sciadopitys
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 to 15-27m tall, with brown main shoots bearing whorls of 7-12cm long 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, so popular in gardens, though very slow-growing and therefore expensive.
External links
\n* Arboretum de Villardebelle Photos: foliage, immature cones\n*
Arboretum de Villardebelle Photo: mature cone\n*
Gymnosperm Database
