Binomial name: Pinus thunbergii
Family: Pinaceae
Japanese name: Kuromatsu
English name: Japanese Black Pine
Description: Kuromatsu is seen mainly in seaside areas on Japan’s main island of Honshu and to the west. Kuromatsu is called ”omatsu” (male pine) because of its rough bark and its hard and sharp leaves. In contrast, ”mematsu” (female pine) refers to akamatsu (Japanese Red Pine). Mikawa kuromatsu, a product of Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, and Kashima kuromatsu, a product of Ibaraki Prefecture in eastern Japan, are among famous kuromatsu species. Cultivate a kuromatsu tree in a container for a long period of time, make its trunk fully thick, trim unnecessary branches, and then enjoy its mikimoyo trunk curve lines. Kuromatsu is resistant to over-fertilization, but it is important to manage the amount of fertilizer to prevent the tree roots from dying due to over-fertilization.
Viewing season: January-February

translated by Kyodo News