<i>Juniperus </i>plant named ‘RIKAG’

Abstract

A new and distinct Juniperus cultivar named RIKAG is disclosed, characterized by abundant fruit production and dense foliage. The new cultivar is a Juniperus chinensis, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Juniperus plant named RIKAG as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of RIKAG grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. The plant is approximately 7 years old, and is shown in the ground at a testing plot.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close up of a branch of the new variety, with fruits.

(3) 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

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2015 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe RIKAG plants grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. Plants are approximately 1-2 years old, in a 3 gallon size container. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Juniperus chinensis RIKAG. Propagation: Time to rooting.90 days at approximately 24 F. Time to produce a rooted cutting.Approximately 200 days. Root description.Fibrous, thick to thin, moderately dense, moderately branched. Colored brown and white, not accurately measured by R.H.S. chart. Plant: Growth habit.Upright and outward. Height.45 cm. Plant spread.17 cm. Typical growth rate.Rapid, filling a one gallon pot in a single season. Branching characteristics.Approximately 15 to 20 lateral branches. Lateral stems are held at an angle of approximately 10 to 80 degree from the main stem. Stems.Length: Average 15 to 18 cm. Diameter: 0.7 cm. Color: New growth: RHS Green 141D. Mature growth: RHS Greyed-Orange 166A. Appearance: Round with scales. Strength: Strong. Lateral branches.Length: 12.5 cm. Diameter: 5 mm. Shape in cross section: Round. Strength: Strong. Internode length.1 cm. Foliage: General description.Needle-like, imbricate, slightly appressed. Leaf.Arrangement: Alternate. Type: Simple, needle-like. Shape of blade: Linear. Average Length: 7.5 mm. Average Width: 1 mm. Apex: Acute. Base: Truncate. Margin: Entire. Texture of top surface: Smooth. Texture of bottom surface: Smooth. Color: Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 138A, tinged Yellow-Green 151A. Apex Greyed-Orange 163B. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138A, tinged Yellow-Green 151A. Apex Greyed-Orange 163B. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 138A, tinged Yellow-Green 153D. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 138A, tinged Yellow-Green 153D. Venation: Linear, indistinguishable from leaf blade. Petiole.Length: 2 mm. Diameter: 1 mm. Texture, upper side: Smooth. Texture, under side: Smooth. Color, upper side: Near RHS Green 138A. Color, under side: Near RHS Green 138A. Flower: Flowering not observed. Fruit: Size.About 10 mm in length and 7.5 mm in diameter. Shape.Globular. Quantity.30 to 50 per lateral branch. Color.Near RHS Blue 103A at maturity. Immature fruits near RHS Yellow-White 158A flushed Greyed-Yellow 161B. Texture.Slightly rough, dry. Seeds.3 per fruit, 5 mm long, 4 mm wide. Colored near RHS Greyed-Orange 175C. Other characteristics: Disease and pest resistance.Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought tolerance.No tolerance for drought. Temperature tolerance.USDA Zones 3-9.