Rare Cherry Blossoms Discovered on Ancient Tomb Grounds in Kobe
Arborists in Kobe City, Japan, have identified and are preserving a rare variety of cherry blossom trees growing on the grounds of ancient burial mounds (kofun), specifically the Ozuka and Nusazuka tumuli. These sites are restricted by the Imperial Household Agency, limiting public access. Kiyohiro Shikata, a local arborist, first noticed the unusual trees in 2007 due to their late blooming period around April 20th, contrasting with regional wild cherries that bloom earlier. The flowers exhibit unique characteristics, such as blooming before leaves appear and petals that remain partially closed. In 2019, Shikata collaborated with Takayuki Fujiwara, a cherry blossom expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society, to study the trees. Recognizing their distinct genetic traits, the experts are cultivating successor trees to establish this 'new variety' as a local specialty. This effort aims to connect the historical significance of the kofun, often viewed as time capsules, with future generations through the preservation of these unique botanical specimens. The discovery highlights the intersection of cultural heritage conservation and botanical science in Hyogo Prefecture.
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Rare Cherry Blossoms Discovered on Ancient Tomb Grounds in Kobe
Arborists in Kobe City, Japan, have identified and are preserving a rare variety of cherry blossom trees growing on the grounds of ancient burial mounds (kofun), specifically the Ozuka and Nusazuka tumuli. These sites are restricted by the Imperial Household Agency, limiting public access. Kiyohiro Shikata, a local arborist, first noticed the unusual trees in 2007 due to their late blooming period around April 20th, contrasting with regional wild cherries that bloom earlier. The flowers exhibit unique characteristics, such as blooming before leaves appear and petals that remain partially closed. In 2019, Shikata collaborated with Takayuki Fujiwara, a cherry blossom expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society, to study the trees. Recognizing their distinct genetic traits, the experts are cultivating successor trees to establish this 'new variety' as a local specialty. This effort aims to connect the historical significance of the kofun, often viewed as time capsules, with future generations through the preservation of these unique botanical specimens. The discovery highlights the intersection of cultural heritage conservation and botanical science in Hyogo Prefecture.
asahi