The family Sciadopityaceae consists of evergreen trees. It is a monotypic family endemic to Japan, comprising only one genus and one species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that it branched off from the Taxaceae and Cupressaceae families in the early to middle Permian period. According to the fossil record, it was widely distributed across Laurasia, particularly Europe, for most of the Cenozoic era until the Pliocene. However, it became extinct in North America during the Neogene period and in Europe during the Pleistocene, and wild populations remain only in Japan.
This article provides a comprehensive, field guide-style introduction to plants belonging to the Sciadopitys family.
The basic information is based on the Kanagawa Prefecture Flora Survey Association (2018). Photos are replaced as better ones become available. While the identification is done by the author, please note that misidentifications may be corrected without notice.
No.0035 Sciadopitys verticillata
This evergreen tree has needle-shaped leaves, 60-130 mm long, arranged in whorls at the tips of its branches. It is distributed in mountainous areas of Honshu (west of Kansai), Shikoku, and Kyushu. Because it develops a beautiful conical shape without much maintenance, it is widely planted in parks and private gardens, and trees bearing cones are often seen.
References
Kanagawa Prefecture Flora Survey Association. 2018. Kanagawa Prefecture Flora 2018 (Electronic Edition). Kanagawa Prefecture Flora Survey Association, Odawara. 1803pp. ISBN: 9784991053726
