The Divine Tree

Hinoki Cypress

• also referred to as Chamaecyparis obtusa
• the image above is but a bonsai version of a tree that is capable of growing up to 35m tall
• this tree, in it’s full size version, is widespread across Japan
• a similar tree
• classified as a variety of the Hinoki
• and is also sometimes argued to be a different species (Chamaecyparis taiwanesis)
• can be found in Taiwan
• the only obvious difference between the two trees
• is that the Taiwanese version has slightly smaller cones
• which is hardly a conspicuous difference when considering how tiny cypress cones tend to be

• those little scaly spheres would be the cones
• not so big and brash as pine cones
• despite these classification quandaries, there are 200 recognized cultivars of the Hinoki cypress
• specially selected for their sizes and growing speeds
• different cultivar are used for different landscaping and logging endeavors
• some are used as ornamental trees in gardens and parks
• while others are used as timber
• timber which is then used to make theaters, temples, shrines
• and ping pong paddles
• so what is colloquially referred to as the “divine tree”
• is also used to facilitate the play of table tennis
• versatility

Being pinkish-brown and lemony scented also adds to the long list of anomalous traits of the Hinoki cypress. Strange combinations seem to draw human attention, which is probably why these trees are so widely cultivated, not just in Japan but across the world in temperate climates spanning from Europe to North America.

Got to love the anomalies!