Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

 

Family - Taxodiaceae

 

Distribution - China, India, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

 

Other Names: Cryptomeria, Sugi, Suji

 

Characteristics: Japan’s most important commercial softwood, the wood is pale yellow-brown to pinkish-brown forming a somewhat wavy pattern. It has a fine, even texture and is faintly scented.  The Wood weighs about 400 kg/m3 when dry.

 

Working Qualities: Saws and machines well, but knots can be troublesome in planning. The wood can be finished smoothly.It tends to split when nailing, but holds screws well.

 

Uses: Used for house framing, gate-ways to temples, and for joinery and furniture frames and panelling.