Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Cedar, Japanese Red Cedar, Sugi Collected in: China

100 grams - 28,550 SEEDS (+/- 1428) Germination: 45% Germination test: Cut (Full Seed) Purity: 98%

$999 incl GST

Characteristics Bonsai Christmas Tree Conifer

Cryptomeria (literally "hidden parts") is a monotypic genus of conifer in the cypress family Cupressaceae. It includes only one species, Cryptomeria japonica (syn. Cupressus japonica L.f.). It is considered to be endemic to Japan, where it is known as Sugi (?). The tree is also called Japanese cedar or Japanese redwood in English. It has been extensively introduced and cultivated for wood production on the Azores and elsewhere.

Cryptomeria is a very large evergreen tree, reaching up to 60 m (200 ft) tall and 4 m (13 ft) trunk diameter, with red-brown bark which peels in vertical strips.

Sugi has been cultivated in China for so long that it is frequently thought to be native there. Genetic analysis of the most famous Chinese population, on Tianmu Mountain, containing trees estimated to be nearly 1000 years old, supports the hypothesis that the population originates from an introduction.

Cryptomeria japonica timber is extremely fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, and with a low density. The timber is used for the making of staves, tubs, casks, furniture and other indoor applications. Easy to saw and season, it is favoured for light construction, boxes, veneers and plywood. Wood that has been buried turns dark green and is much valued. Resin from the tree contains cryptopimaric and phenolic acid.

The wood is pleasantly scented, reddish-pink in colour, lightweight but strong, waterproof and resistant to decay. It is favoured in Japan for all types of construction work as well as interior panelling, etc. In Darjeeling district and Sikkim in India, where it is one of the most widely growing trees, C. japonica is called Dhuppi and is favoured for its light wood, extensively used in house building.