Appearance
It is a very large evergreen tree, reaching up to 70 m tall and 4 m trunk diameter, with red-brown bark which peels in vertical strips. The leaves are arranged spirally, needle-like, 0.5–1 cm long; and the seed cones globular, 1–2 cm diameter with about 20–40 scales. It is superficially similar to the related giant sequoia , from which it can be differentiated by the longer leaves and smaller cones , and the harder bark on the trunk .Sugi has been so long-cultivated in China that it is thought by some to be native there. Forms selected for ornament and timber production long ago in China have been described as a distinct variety ''Cryptomeria japonica'' var. ''sinensis'' , but they do not differ from the full range of variation found in the wild in Japan, and there is no definite evidence the species ever occurred wild in China. Genetic analysis of the most famous Chinese population of ''Cryptomeria japonica'' var. ''sinensis'' in Tianmu Mountain, containing trees estimated to be nearly 1000 years old, supports the hypothesis that the population originates from an introduction.
''Cryptomeria japonica'' timber is extremely fragrant, weather and insect resistant, soft, and with a low density. The timber is used for the making of staves, tubs, casks, and for building and furniture. Easy to saw and season, it is favoured for light construction, boxes, veneers and plywood. Wood that has been buried turns dark green and is much valued. Resin from the tree contains cryptopimaric and phenolic acid.
Behavior
''Cryptomeria'' grow in forests on deep, well-drained soils subject to warm, moist conditions, and it is fast-growing under these conditions. It is intolerant of poor soils and cold, drier climates.''Cryptomeria'' is used as a food plant by the larvae of some moths of the genus ''Endoclita'' including ''E. auratus'', ''E. punctimargo'' and ''E. undulifer''.
Sugi pollen is a major cause of hay fever in Japan.
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