Sustainability

Japanese cedar

the sacred wood

cedro

Cryptomeria japonica, also known as Japanese cedar, is an evergreen conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, the same as the sequoias, and is the only species in the Cryptomeria genus. Despite its common name in English, Japanese Cedar, this species is not a true cedar (Cedrus spp.), belonging to the Pinaceae family. The confusion arises due to its resemblance to cedars in the shape of the adult trees and, above all, the characteristics of its wood, which has a similar appearance and properties, such as its color, pleasant aroma and natural resistance to pests and fungi.

The generic name Cryptomeria derives from the Greek "kryptos", meaning “hidden”, and "meros", meaning “part” or “portion”, possibly in reference to the hidden structure of the seeds within the scales of the cone. The specific epithet japonica indicates its geographical origin, referring to Japan, where it is widely distributed and cultivated. In Japanese, this tree is called sugi and is one of the most emblematic species of the country's flora.

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

The cryptomeria is one of the most emblematic trees in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Historical records indicate its use in the construction of temples, shrines and traditional dwellings, due to its strength and durability. Some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, such as Buddhist temples, were built using this wood. In Japan, some cryptomerias are thousands of years old and are considered sacred, such as the famous Jomon Sugi, on the island of Yakushima, which is estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old.

Jomon_Sugi

It was introduced to the Azores in the 19th century, where it found ideal conditions for its growth, becoming the most important forest species in the archipelago. Its rapid growth rate and adaptation to volcanic and humid soils has made it essential for timber production and soil protection against erosion.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Haguro

Cryptomeria wood is light, soft and moisture-resistant and is traditionally used to build houses, temples, bridges, boats and window frames. In Japan, it is also used to make sake storage barrels due to its aromatic properties. Today, it continues to be a valued wood for carpentry, furniture, packaging and paper production.

In the Azores, its commercial exploitation has grown and it is a sustainable alternative to other exotic species. Cryptomeria also has antifungal and insect repellent properties, which increases its longevity and makes it ideal for outdoor use. rusticasa® has been using this wood in the construction of its houses for over 30 years, due to its aesthetic and aromatic qualities and its natural resistance to wood-boring insects, fungi and decay. In addition, its soft touch, lightness and durability make it a sustainable and high-quality option for wooden architecture.

Sustainable Management in the Azores

criptomeria_terceira

Cryptomeria forests in the Azores are managed in a sustainable way, since their exploitation is governed by the Manual of Good Practices for Forest Management in the Azores. This document carefully establishes the main forestry actions and operations required to manage forest resources in the archipelago, identifying the potential impacts of forestry activities and recommending the appropriate practices and precautions to eliminate or minimize them. This ensures that cryptomeria is harvested in a responsible and balanced manner, guaranteeing the preservation of ecosystems, the protection of soil and biodiversity and the sustainability of the Azorean forestry economy.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

In Japan, the cryptomeria is considered a sacred tree and is often associated with Shinto and Buddhist temples. Many cryptomeria alleys, known as suginamiki, lead to shrines and are protected as natural heritage. A famous example is Nikko Suginamiki, one of the largest in the world, where these trees were planted centuries ago as a symbol of devotion.

Nikko_Suginamiki

The presence of this species in the Azorean archipelago also reflects its importance in sustainable forest management, contributing to carbon retention, biodiversity and the local economy. Thus, cryptomeria remains a tree of great ecological, economic and cultural value, both in Japan and in the Azores.

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