Sciadopitys verticillata aka Umbrella Pine

Sciadopitys verticillata, also known as the kōyamaki or Japanese umbrella-pine, is a unique and ancient conifer that is endemic to Japan. It is considered a living fossil, as it is the sole surviving member of its family and genus, with no close relatives. The oldest known fossils of the Sciadopitys date back to the Late Cretaceous period in Japan, and the genus was widespread in Laurasia during most of the Cenozoic era, especially in Europe until the Pliocene. The umbrella pine is one of the oldest trees on earth, with fossil records indicating that it dates back millions of years. It is believed that much of the fossil-rich Baltic amber was produced by members of the same family as the umbrella pine. The tree is highly valued in Japan, where it is known as Koya-maki and considered a sacred tree. It is said that stroking its whorls can aid in conceiving healthy children. The umbrella pine's wood and bark have been used in boat-making due to its waterproof qualities and resistance to rot. The umbrella pine prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil, as well as an open location. It is not tolerant of drought or air pollution. When young, its form is spire-like to broadly pyramidal, but as it ages, it becomes straight with horizontal branches in whorls.