Japanese Bush-spruce

Insufficient regeneration

Maximowicz's spruce is generally a relatively short, bush-like tree from Japan that can reach heights of 30 m. In Japan it is often planted in gardens especially around Buddhist temples. Its compact appearance and slow growth makes it idea as a bonsai although the species itself is not very common. There are two varieties, var. maximowiczii and var. senanensis (there is still discussion concerning this split). Although the senanensis variety is less abundant it is this variety that has ended up being grown in (botanic) gardens and arboreta across Europe and America. The only six individuals in Europe are growing in the Blijdenstein Pinetum near Hilversum. Although the wood is not valuable, in the wild no large trees remain because of major tree felling in its native habitat.

Ecology and habitat

The rare Maximowicz's spruce is endemic to Honshu, the largest island in Japan. Native populations of both varieties are spread across the Yatsugatake Mountains and on Fuji growing on volcanic podsols at altitudes of between 1100 and 2000 m. The climate is damp with cool summers and cold winters. It grows solely in small, scattered groups (usually with Juniperus rigida) especially across open, grassland-like terrain.

Threats

Over exploitation of the original forest has damaged this species significantly. The scattered population of Picea maximowiczii is now restricted to reserves. Its foremost threat is deforestation of ancient woodland and replacement with commercial plantations. A large proportion of the current habitats are in poor condition and regeneration of Picea maximowiczii is insufficient.