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The Fantasy World of the Southern Evergreen Forest: Why Do These Plants Never Wither?
The plant diversity in Japan is amazing. Whether it is cherry blossoms, osmanthus or red leaves, these plants are not only widely distributed geographically, but many species are unique to Japan. According to statistics, Japan has about 5,600 species of vascular plants, nearly 40% of which are endemic. This unique plant list shows that Japan's significant changes in latitude and altitude, as well as the climate diversity brought about by the monsoons, have created such natural wonders.
Japan's plant diversity and endemism are deeply influenced by its geographical environment and historical background.
Vegetation in Japan can be roughly divided into four main types based on temperature and precipitation: mountain, alpine, summer-green broad-leaved forest, and evergreen broad-leaved forest. Due to Japan's 3,000-kilometer north-south range, changes in climate and topography have resulted in a rich diversity of vegetation. Evergreen forests are most common in the southern half of mainland Japan, such as the Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku and Kyushu regions, and parts of central Honshu.
Evergreen broad-leaved forest area
The evergreen forest areas in southern Japan are dominated by oak ( Castanopsis cuspidata ) and thunbergii ( Machilus thunbergii ) as the main canopy tree species. These evergreen trees grow along the coast and inland at an altitude of about 750 meters near Tokyo. Inland areas are dominated by oak species, and the understory trees and shrubs in the area, such as Camellia japonica, Neolitsea sericea, and Japanese fig (Aucuba japonica), are all evergreen species.
The unique charm of the evergreen broad-leaved forest is that all its plants are evergreen species, which makes it show eternal beauty in the alternation of seasons.
Summer green broad-leaved forest area
In central Japan, above 1,000 meters, you can find summer green broadleaf forests, which are represented by the Japanese beech (Fagus crenata). Common tree species on the west side include Daphniphyllum macropodum and Abies mariesii, while species on the east side facing the Pacific Ocean include Japanese elm (Ulmus japonica) and Laportea macrostachya. These forests have been cleared many times in response to human development and have since been replanted with Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and cypress (Cryptomeria japonica).
Subalpine and Alpine Regions
In the subalpine region of Honshu, at altitudes between 1,600 and 2,500 m, characteristic tree species include bilberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and white cedar (Tsuga diversifolia). At altitudes above 2,500 meters, plants face even harsher conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds. Plants that survive these harsh conditions, such as heather (Phyllodoce) and Harrimanella (Harrimanella), demonstrate the vitality and adaptability of plants.
Faced with the harsh natural environment, the tenacity and flexibility of these alpine plants are important factors in the ecosystem that cannot be ignored.
Special plants in Japan
Japan's unique climate and geography have shaped a variety of plants such as the Japanese redwood (Cryptomeria japonica) and the Tachigali tree (Tachigali). Over time, these plants have left a deep mark on Japanese culture and daily life. For example, the blooming of cherry blossoms symbolizes rebirth, while persimmons are loved for their delicious fruit and are widely used in festivals and celebrations.
Documentation and research on plants
Japan has a long history of botanical research, and many works have documented its rich and diverse plant resources in detail. The Illustrated Flora of Japan was first published by Tomitaro Makino in 1940, showcasing the diversity of the country's plants, and has been revised several times over time. Similarly, Kunio Iwatsuki and others have published a series of professional works on Japanese plants since 1993, the in-depth quality of the text highlights the uniqueness of these plants from the details.
Both ancient texts and contemporary professional research provide invaluable insights into Japan's plant diversity.
Faced with this fascinating plant world, we can't help but ask: How do these unique plants continue to thrive and grow in a changing environment?
