Hiba
Thujopsis dolabrata

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

UPDATE: This plant, Thujopsis dolabrata, was originally listed in the database as Thujopsis dolobrata. The name correct name was added 16/06/2011

Thujopsis dolabrata is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

In sunny rocky places at elevations of 300 - 1700 metres in the mountains of C. and S. Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The bark is used for match cord, for filling (caulking) between boards on boats etc to prevent water leaking. Wood - soft, durable, elastic. Used for construction, cabinet work, water pipes, ship building etc.

How it is grown

Requires a moist sheltered site, preferably in or beside woodland. Requires a high humidity but it is virtually unaffected by pH or winter temperatures. A very slow growing plant in Britain, seedlings only grow about 3cm a year for the first 6 - 10 years and do not attain 30cm a year even when well established. Unless shaded out by neighbouring trees, this plant retains its lower branches. The sub-species T. dolobrata hondai. Mak. is a tall tree whilst T. dolobrata australis is a shrub or moderately sized tree.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown when ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed germinates best if given a short cold stratification. It can be sown in a cold frame in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The plants make very little growth in their first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If growing large quantities of plants, the seed can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in mid spring. Grow the plants on for two years and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late autumn or early spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a shaded frame. Forms roots by the end of September but it should be overwintered in a frame. Cuttings of almost ripe wood.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness:

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. hondai. Thuja dolobrata. Thujopsis dolobrata