Umbrella pines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SciadopitysTemporal range: Middle Triassic to Recent
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| Sciadopitys verticillata | |
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Sciadopityaceae
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Sciadopitys
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| Sciadopitys verticillata |
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Sciadopitys, the Japanese umbrella-pine, is a unique conifer. It is endemic to Japan, and the sole surviving member of the family Sciadopityaceae. It is a living fossil with no close relatives: its fossils date from 230 million years ago.
It is an evergreen tree that can grow 15-27m tall. Its brown main shoots have whorls of 7–12 cm long flexible green "cladodes". These look like, and perform the function of, leaves but are actually composed of stem tissue. Occasionally, a cladode will fork and produce a bud in the 'v' of the fork, just like a normal stem.
The cones are 6–11 cm long, mature in about 18 months, and have flattish scales that open to release the seeds.
It is a very attractive tree and is popular in gardens, despite its slow growth rate and high cost. Koyamaki was chosen as the Japanese Imperial crest for Prince Hisahito of Akishino, currently third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
The plant was first introduced to Europe by John Gould Veitch in September 1860.
Infrared microspectroscopy has identified conifers of the family Sciadopityaceae as the principal source of Baltic amber.
Images for kids
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Sciadopitys verticillata from "Flore des serres et des jardins de l'Europe" -
Sciadopitys carpellate cones and dried needles
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Staminate cones and needles
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Needles
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Full tree in Mount Futatsumori, Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
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See also
In Spanish: Sciadopitys para niños
