Rare Cherry Blossoms Discovered on Ancient Tomb in Kobe Cultivated as New Variety
Arborists in Kobe City, Japan, have identified and are cultivating a rare variety of cherry blossom found growing on the grounds of ancient burial mounds known as kofun. The trees, located at the Ozuka and Nusazuka tumuli in Nishi Ward, exhibit unique characteristics distinct from local wild cherries, including a later blooming period around mid-to-late April and flowers that bloom before leaves appear, similar to the Someiyoshino variety. Kiyohiro Shikata, a local arborist, first noticed the anomalies in 2007 and later collaborated with Takayuki Fujiwara, an expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society, to study them. Due to restrictions by the Imperial Household Agency prohibiting entry to these protected historical sites, the experts have been observing the trees from outside fences. They are now growing successor trees from cuttings to preserve this 'new variety,' dubbed the Ozuka Princess Cherry Blossom, ensuring its survival and connecting this historical botanical find to the future as a local specialty.
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Rare Cherry Blossoms Discovered on Ancient Tomb in Kobe Cultivated as New Variety
Arborists in Kobe City, Japan, have identified and are cultivating a rare variety of cherry blossom found growing on the grounds of ancient burial mounds known as kofun. The trees, located at the Ozuka and Nusazuka tumuli in Nishi Ward, exhibit unique characteristics distinct from local wild cherries, including a later blooming period around mid-to-late April and flowers that bloom before leaves appear, similar to the Someiyoshino variety. Kiyohiro Shikata, a local arborist, first noticed the anomalies in 2007 and later collaborated with Takayuki Fujiwara, an expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society, to study them. Due to restrictions by the Imperial Household Agency prohibiting entry to these protected historical sites, the experts have been observing the trees from outside fences. They are now growing successor trees from cuttings to preserve this 'new variety,' dubbed the Ozuka Princess Cherry Blossom, ensuring its survival and connecting this historical botanical find to the future as a local specialty.
asahi