| Cercidiphyllum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Katsura (C. japonicum) trunk and foliage | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Cercidiphyllaceae Engl.[1] |
| Genus: | Cercidiphyllum Siebold &Zucc. |
| Species[2] | |
| |
 | |
| The range ofCercidiphyllum. | |
Cercidiphyllum is agenus containing twospecies of plants, both commonly calledkatsura. They are the sole members of themonotypicfamilyCercidiphyllaceae. The genus isnative to Japan and China and unrelated toCercis (redbuds).
Thetype species,Cercidiphyllum japonicum, can reach 45 m (148 ft) in height, and is one of the largest hardwoods in Asia. The other species,Cercidiphyllum magnificum, is much smaller, rarely reaching over 10 m (33 ft) in height.Cercidiphyllum produces spurs along its twigs. These are shortstems with closely spaced leaves. Thefoliage isdimorphic. According to a recent description "short shoots bear broadlycordate orreniform,palmately veined leaves withcrenate margins; long shoots bearelliptic to broadlyovate leaves withentire or finelyserrate margins."[3] Leaf size varies from 3 to 8 cm long and 3–5.5 cm broad. The genus isdioecious, having separate male and female trees. The small inconspicuousflowers are produced in early spring and wind-pollinated; thefruit is a cluster of 2-4 small pods, each pod 1–2 cm long with numerous small, flattened and wingedseeds. The fruits mature in autumn and release their seeds in autumn through winter.[citation needed]
The leaves have a strong, sweet smell in the fall, described as caramel orMadeira cake-like. The smell comes from a combination ofmaltol and a sugary compound in the leaves and is strongest when they are brown.[4] In German,Cercidiphyllum trees are named after their scent;Kuchenbaum orLebkuchenbaum ("pie tree" or "gingerbread tree").[4][5]
Katsura (カツラ) is theJapanese name for the tree.[6] The scientific nameCercidiphyllum refers to the close resemblance of the leaves to those ofCercis (redbuds); these two unrelated genera can however be distinguished easily as redbud leaves are alternate, not opposite.[citation needed]
The two species are:
Katsura is grown as anornamental tree for its delicate heart-shaped leaves and bright autumn colour, a mix of bright yellow, pink and orange-red. Where conditions are suitable, it is fast-growing, but it is very sensitive todrought and needs deep, permanently moist soil. Under drought conditions, the species willabscise its leaves; however refoliation may occur once water is made available. Of particular interest is the scent produced by the leaves in the autumn, resembling burnt brown sugar or cotton candy. Trees in cultivation, like those in natural environments, tend to sucker from the base when young and become multi-stemmed at maturity; pruning to maintain a single stem is not advised.
WithinCercidiphyllum japonicum, severalcultivars with pendulous branches are grown for their unique weeping habit. Two general types exist. Those with a strong central leader, or excurrent growth, are all one clone originating in Morioka City, Japan. This cultivar is known as 'Morioka Weeping' and can reach over 25 m (82 ft) in height. The other type fails to form a central leader and is rounded in habit. There are several clones of this, including 'Amazing Grace' and 'Tidal Wave'.
Both the speciesC. japonicum[7] and the weeping formC. japonicum f.pendulum have gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.
Katsura wood is often used to make gobans, i.e.boards for the gameGo.
The genus is known from fossils at the end of theCretaceous (Maastrichtian) of North America, and the Cenozoic of North America, Europe and Asia.[8]
Fossil species include:
Cercidiphyllum obtritum -Eocene Okanogan Highlands, Ypresian, North America
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Equipment | |
| Terms | |
| Strategy and tactics | |
| History | |
| Competition | |
| Games and matches | |
| Art and media | |
| Computers | |
| Organizations | |
| Other | |
