About Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D.Don
Cryptomeria japonica is a very large evergreen tree. It can reach up to 60 m (200 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 4 m (13 ft). Its bark is red-brown and peels in vertical strips. Its leaves are needle-like, 0.5–1 cm (1⁄4–3⁄8 in) long, and arranged in a spiral pattern. This species produces globular seed cones, 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) in diameter, with approximately 20–40 scales each. It is superficially similar to its relative giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), but can be told apart by several traits: Cryptomeria japonica has longer leaves, smaller cones, and harder trunk bark. In comparison, giant sequoia leaves are under 0.5 cm (1⁄4 in) long, its cones measure 4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄4 in) in diameter, and its trunk bark is thick, soft, and spongy. Before 1916, sylvics expert E.H. Wilson measured a sugi (common name for Cryptomeria japonica) in the village of Sugi, Tosa Prefecture, on Shikoku Island, Japan. This individual measured 50 m (160 ft) in height, with a girth of 25 m (82 ft) at breast height.
