Japanese cryptomeria (lat. Cryptoméria japónica)
- an evergreen tree of the Cypress family (Cupressaceae); the only species of the genus Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria).
The plant is also called Japanese cedar.
It is considered a national tree of Japan.
In the natural habitat, the described tree can live for centuries and reach enormous sizes (height reaches 60 m, and the trunk is 2 m across). As for decorative cryptomeria varieties, they are not tall and rarely overcome the 3-meter mark.
The life span of coniferous Cryptomeria reaches 1000 years. Some specimens live much longer. The Japanese brought the culture to the state registry of values, since the plant is considered a national symbol.
From ancient times, the representative of the Kiparos was planted as close as possible to holy places and temples, the trunk must be tied with sacred ropes made of rice straw called simenava.
Cryptomeria growing on Yakushima are protected as they are national parks. The age of many specimens growing there has reached 2000 years.
Residents of the territories planted with this culture annually experience hay fever. During flowering, the plant fills the air with caustic pollen. Even dense gauze masks do not help. Young children and people with breathing problems are most affected. However, tourists and visitors hay fever does not cause inconvenience.
