Vascular Plants » Cupressaceae (Taxodiaceae) » Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Red-cedar

Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Red-cedar

Cedrwydden Goch Japan

(Linnaeus f.) D.Don

Japanese Red-cedar is native to China and Japan, where it is the national tree. It was first introduced to Britain from China in 1842 (and later from Japan in 1861). In its native range individual trees may live for over 1,000 years under suitable conditions. It is one of the few conifers that will coppice and it can be propagated easily from cuttings. Although it is an important timber tree in Japan and China, most plantings in Britain have been ornamental in parks and gardens. However, some trees have been planted in a mixed coupe in the Pelenna Valley recently. It grows well in sheltered sites in south Wales but is intolerant of exposure. Some trees produce lots of cones but, strangely, many trees don't produce any cones at all. Notable maidens in West Glamorgan occur at Cwm Dulais Cottages, near the Mond Nickel Works in Clydach and a mature specimen tree at Valley Woods, Penllergaer has for many year supported a large colony of wild Honey Bees Apis melifera within a natural hole in its trunk.

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