<i>Cryptomeria </i>tree named ‘CJMTFZ’

Abstract

A new and distinct Cryptomeria japonica tree named ‘CJMTFZ’ is disclosed, characterized by small foliage having a thick foliar cuticle. Trees are observed to tolerate both heat and drought. The interior of the trees does not suffer from browning of the foliage, resulting in a denser, more attractive tree. A fast growth rate has been observed. The new variety is a Cryptomeria tree, typically used for landscapes and gardens.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica tree named ‘CJMTFZ’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates a typical tree of the new variety at about 3 years of age.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates the density of the growth.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a closer view of the interior of the tree.

(4) All trees illustrated are field grown in Washington, Ga. Trees are approximately 3 years from planting into the field. The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(5) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘CJMTFZ’ plants grown outdoors and in a nursery in Washington, Ga. Plants are approximately 3 years old, planted in the ground. Temperatures ranged from about 2° C. to 10° C. at night to 18° C. to 39° C. during the day. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Cryptomeria japonica ‘CJMTFZ’.

PROPAGATION

(6) Cuttings taken in early Spring are placed under mist at approximately 25° C. for approximately 2 months. These cuttings are then removed from mist and greenhouse grown for another approximately 4 weeks before moving outside. Root description: Woody. Brown roots not accurately measured with an R.H.S. Colour chart.

TREE

(7) Growth habit: Evergreen narrow pyramidal tree. Height: Approximately 12 feet at 3 years. Spread: Approximately 5 feet at 3 years. Aspect and angle: Branches at acute angles, 45 degrees or less. Growth rate: Rapid. Branching habit: Occurring from center, upswept, acute. Length of lateral branches: 30 cm to 60 cm. Average number of lateral branches: 70-100. Diameter of lateral branches: 3 cm. Lateral branch color: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 176D flushed Brown N200D with scales near Brown N200C and N200D. Lateral branch strength: Very strong. Internode length: Average range 10 cm to 15 cm. Trunk characteristics: Diameter.—About 3 inches measured at approximately 3 inches above soil level at 3 years. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Orange 176D flushed Brown N200D with large scales near Brown N200C and N200D. Surface texture.—Large scaly bark.

FOLIAGE

(8) Leaf: Arrangement.—Spiral. Shape.—Awl-shaped. Average length.—Approximately 3 to 5 mm. Average width.—Approximately 2 to 3 mm. Apex.—Acute. Base.—Truncate. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.—Glabrous. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B flushed Yellow-Green N144B. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B flushed Yellow-Green N144B. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137C. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Winter foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137C. Winter foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Venation.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade. Fragrance.—Cedarlike.

FLOWER

(9) Flowering and cone production not observed.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(10) Not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(11) Disease/pest resistance: Resistance to normal diseases and pests of Cryptomeria has been observed. Additionally, due to the dark green foliage, the new variety exhibits resistance to mites. Resistance to leaf blight and leaf spot which causes branches to die back has been observed. Drought tolerance: Some drought observed. Cryptomeria japonica can be moderately drought tolerance once established. Temperature tolerance: Observed growing at temperatures between 10° F. to 102° F. Fruits/nuts: Not observed.