Sciadopitys verticillata (Kōyamaki, Japanese Umbrella Pine)
Sciadopitys verticillata (Kōyamaki, Japanese Umbrella Pine)
SCIADOPITYACEAE
Sciadopitys verticillata, the Kōyamaki or Japanese Umbrella Pine, is a unique conifer endemic to Japan. It is the sole living member of the family Sciadopityaceae and genus Sciadopitys, a living fossil with no close relatives. The oldest fossils of Sciadopitys are from the Late Cretaceous of Japan, and the genus was widespread in Laurasia during most of the Cenozoic, especially in Europe until the Pliocene. An extinct European relative of this species may have been the primary producer of Baltic amber.
Can grow from 15-25m tall in the wild. In cultivation, they grow to about 3m tall and about 1m across. This is a slow growing tree with a dense conical shave with rich red bark. Must have good drainage. Cold hardy. A perfect plant for bonsai.