The Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) belongs to Cupressaceae (the Cypress family). It is a tall evergreen tree that is distributed westward from Fukushima prefecture of Hoanshu to Shikoky and Kyushu. This tree can reach about 50 m in height and 2.5 m in diameter. The branches spread out on the level and the scalelike leaves are arranged oppositely. The red-brown, male flowers bloom around April. Hinoki cypress is one of the Kiso Goboku. The Kiso area is the especially land where the highest good timber is produced. The Japanese name comes from the meaning of "hi-no-ki" (fire tree), which was rubbed together to make fire in ancient times.