umbrella pine

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umbrella pine

tree

Also known as: Japanese umbrella pine, Sciadopitys verticillata, parasol pine

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Also called:: Japanese umbrella pine

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umbrella pine, (Sciadopitys verticillata), coniferous evergreen tree endemic to Japan, the only member of the umbrella pine family (Sciadopityaceae). Historically, this genus was classified variously in Cupressaceae or the now-defunct Taxodiaceae, but subsequent studies confirmed its structural uniqueness. Despite its common name, the plant is not a true pine. Several varieties of the umbrella pine are cultivated as ornamentals and can be used as bonsai specimens. Its wood is used in making boats; its bark, in the form of oakum, is used for caulking.

The umbrella pine is very slow-growing and may reach a height of 36 metres (116 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1.2 metres (4 feet). The short branches are arranged in circles around the trunk. The small scalelike leaves are less than 6 mm (0.2 inch) long and adhere closely to the attractive reddish brown bark. Modified shoots assuming the form and function of leaves occur in umbrella-like whorls of 15 to 35 at the tips of the twigs.

Fossils from the Upper Cretaceous Series (from about 100.5 to 66 million years ago) that appear similar to modern Sciadopitys have been named Sciadopitophyllum.

Venus's-flytrap. Venus's-flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) one of the best known of the meat-eating plants. Carnivorous plant, Venus flytrap, Venus fly trap

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.