II. VARIOUS KINDS OF CHERRIES 
True to the name “Cherry Land” Japan is rich 
in species of cherry trees. A brief description of the 
principal kinds is as follows :— 
(1) Yama-zakura (the Mountain Cherries) 
These grow in mountain forests and are subdivided 
into two large groups: 
(a) Shiro-Yamazakura (the White Mountain Cher- 
ries; Prunus mutabilis ) 
These are the commonest species of all Japanese 
cherries and are found almost everywhere throughout the 
length and breadth of the land, i. e. from the north- 
eastern end to the south-western extremity of the country. 
They attain a great height and a giant size, and 
frequently live to the age of several hundred years. 
White flowers are common. Of course, some difference 
is noticeable in the size of petals and the forms of 
trees. A great variety in the colour of the young 
foliage in different individual trees is the characteristic 
feature peculiar to this species, some being reddish, 
others yellowish-brown and others green. Young leaves 
burst out almost at the same time as the flower buds, 
and present a unique and beautiful sight. Some kinds 
have hairy peduncles or flower-stalks; others have 
fragrant flowers. 
(b) Beni-Yamazakura (the Red Mountain Cher- 
ries; Prunus sachalinensis ) 
This species has crimson-coloured flowers, from 
which the name is derived. Its characteristic is the 
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