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 blossoms 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, a cherry blossom expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society. Due to restrictions by the Imperial Household Agency prohibiting entry to these protected historical sites, the experts observed the trees from outside fences. Recognizing the botanical significance and cultural value, they have begun growing successor trees from the original specimens. These new cultivars, dubbed 'Ozuka Princess' cherry blossoms, are being preserved as a local specialty to ensure the genetic lineage survives and connects the historical heritage of the kofun to future generations.
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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 blossoms 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, a cherry blossom expert from the Japanese Cherry Blossom Society. Due to restrictions by the Imperial Household Agency prohibiting entry to these protected historical sites, the experts observed the trees from outside fences. Recognizing the botanical significance and cultural value, they have begun growing successor trees from the original specimens. These new cultivars, dubbed 'Ozuka Princess' cherry blossoms, are being preserved as a local specialty to ensure the genetic lineage survives and connects the historical heritage of the kofun to future generations.
asahi