Hiba
Thujopsis dolabrata
Cypress family (Cupressaceae)
Holy cypress
The hiba cypress originates from central and southern Japan. The species name dolabrata means ‘axe-shaped’ and refers to the shape of the distinctive white stomata on the underside of the scaly leaves.
In Japan the tree is called asunaro, a combination of the Japanese descriptive, asu wa hinoki ni narou, meaning ‘tomorrow it will become a hinoki cypress’. The tree resembles a smaller version of the hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa).
Hiba is one of the five sacred trees of Kiso. Only the wood of these trees can be used to build Shinto temples. Only wealthy and influential families were able to fell the sacred trees from the Kiso forest in central Honshu. The wood is very durable and smells delightful.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Blijdenstein Pinetum, Schovenhorst Estate and Von Gimborn Arboretum.
Part of the Dutch National Conifer Collection.
Fragrant; contains resin.
Wood is used as timber.
Details
Description: | Conifer, treeĀ up to 15 m tall; monoecious. |
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Distributions: | Japan |
Habitat: | Temperate conifer forests. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
Flowering period: | April - mei |
Flower color: | Not applicable |
Fruiting period: | Januari - november |