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The Asunaro (Thujopsis dolabrata) belongs to Cupressaceae (the Cypress family). It is a tall evergreen tree that is endemic to Japan, and distributed from Iwate prefecture of Honshu south to Shikoku and Kyushu. This tree grows in montain ridges and marshes, and it can reach about 30 m in height. The leaves are scalelike and arranged in decussate opposite pairs. The white stomatal bands on the rear surfaces are visible. It is monoecious and the flowers bloom terminal branches in May. The fruits are globose dry fruits and ripen in October to November. In Aomori Prefecture, it is called "Hiba", in Akita Prefecture "Tsugaru hinoki", in Iwate and Yamagata Prefectures "Kumasaki", and in Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures "Ate".
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