Katsura
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- See also: Katsuura, Chiba
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 Katsura (C. japonicum) trunk and foliage | ||||||||||||
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Cercidiphyllum japonicum |
Katsura (Cercidiphyllum) is a genus of two species of plants, the sole members of the family Cercidiphyllaceae. They are native to eastern Asia, in Japan (Honshu and Hokkaido) and China (Shanxi southwest to Sichuan and east to Zhejiang).
They are large deciduous trees, reaching 40-45 m tall and with trunks to 2 m diameter, among the largest hardwood trees in Asia. The leaves are opposite, round to oval, but with an indentation at the base where the leaf joins the petiole; leaf size varies from 3-8 cm long and 3-5.5 cm broad. The flowers are inconspicuous, small wind-pollinated catkins; the fruit is a cluster of 2-4 small pods, each pod 1 cm long with numerous small, flattened and winged seeds.
Katsura is the Japanese name for the tree. The scientific name Cercidiphyllum refers to the close resemblance of the leaves to those of Cercis (redbuds); these two unrelated genera can however be distinguished easily as redbud leaves are alternate, not opposite.
The two species are:
- Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Throughout the range of the genus. A tree to 40-45 m tall. Bark rough, furrowed. Leaves smaller, not over 4.5 cm long and 3.2 cm broad; stipules falling soon after leafing out in spring. Seed winged only at lower end. Plants from China were at one time separated as C. japonicum var. sinense, but no consistent difference between Japanese and Chinese origins has been found.
- Cercidiphyllum magnificum. Endemic to central Honshu, where it grows at higher altitudes than C. japonicum. A small tree, not more than 20 m tall. Bark smooth. Leaves larger, up to 8 cm long and 5.5 cm broad; stipules persistent. Seed winged at both ends.
Cultivation
Katsura is a highly ornamental tree, grown for its delicate 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 to drought and needs deep, permanently moist soil.
References
- Andrews, S., 1998. Tree of the Year: Cercidiphyllum. International Dendrology Society Yearbook 1997: 17-46.