Emergence of Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossoms have been a beauty symbol to many cultures around the world and mostly famous in Japan. The Japanese are so in love with the cherry blossom that they even celebrate it. A cherry blossom tree is a decorative flowering tree that gives off a wonderful, beautiful pink bloom to gardens and forests in the springtime. It is native to Japan, China, and Korea. Factors such as climate, geological conditions, and environment allow optimum growth.
Chemical make-up
Cherry blossom trees are very unique in their chemical makeup and can produce aromatic oils in the flowers as well as produce an acidic inner bark for harvesting. The cherry blossom trees contain compounds known as polyphenols which gives them their distinctive sweet smells and brilliant colors when in bloom. The polyphenols are also known to have significant health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, and anti-viral properties.
Reproduction
Cherry blossom trees are small deciduous trees that are for the most part self-pollinating and prefer a warm, temperate climate. They can grow to around 15-25 feet in height and ordinarily live between 50-200 years. Apart from being delicate and beautiful, the cherry blossom tree also reproduces very differently. The blossoms fall off to reveal a very unique “fruit” that is commonly known as a cherry.
Cherry Production
The cherry is the edible “fruit” that is produced. It is an interesting fact that although the cherry blossom tree produces this “fruit”, it is not actually a cherry in the conventional sense. The cherry blossom tree “cherry” is more closely related to a plum or an apple in terms of its size, shape, and make-up. The cherry blossom tree does not produce the sweet and juicy cherries that we love to eat. The cherry “fruits” or “cherries” are often gathered for their tart and bitter taste in recipes.
Health Benefits of the Cherry Blossom Tree
The cherry blossom tree does contain many beneficial compounds and components that have shown to be beneficial to the human body. The polyphenols from the cherry blossom tree have been studied to demonstrate significant health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral action. The cherry blossom tree has also been studied to possess properties that may reduce the incidence of certain types of cancers such as colon cancer and prostate cancer.
Economic Importance of Cherry Blossom Trees
Apart from their beauty, cherry blossom trees also possess economic importance. The flowers of cherry blossom trees are often picked and used to make paper goods and crafts. The cherry “fruits” are sometimes sold and used in the making of jam and preserves, as well as liqueurs and wines. Also, the bark of the cherry blossom tree can be used to make various kinds of dyes or inks and the wood can be used in the production of furniture and other goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cherry blossom tree does produce an edible “fruit” that is more closely related to a plum or an apple and is not the sweet, juicy cherries that we typically find in stores. This tree also has a high economic value due to its edible fruit, harvesting of its bark, and utilization of its wood in furniture and craft production. Lastly, it contains several beneficial compounds and components, such as polyphenols, that have been studied to yield various health benefits.
Symbolism of Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossom trees have been around for centuries and have served as a symbol of beauty, fragility, and femininity. In Japan, the cherry blossom is an iconic symbol with many festivals all centered around the cherry blossom tree, most notably the cherry blossom viewing festivals. The cherry blossom tree also represents abundance – an abundance of life and joy as well as a reminder of mortality. In China, it is also said that the cherry blossom tree is a symbol of power and courage.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Festivals
The cherry blossom tree is largely celebrated in Japan with several festivals, the most celebrated being the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival. At these festivals, Japanese individuals come together to admire the beauty of the cherry blossom tree in full bloom and to celebrate. For many Japanese, these festivals become a tradition and they often use it as an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Cherry blossom viewing festivals are also observed in other countries, such as the United States.
The Art of the Cherry Blossom Tree
The cherry blossom tree is also celebrated in art. From the ukiyo-e woodblock prints to modern digital artwork, cherry blossom images have been used to express beauty, femininity, and fragility. Artists are often inspired by the delicate beauty of the cherry blossom tree and its symbolism. Its imagery has also been used to convey social and environmental messages such as awareness and conservation.
Care for Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossom trees have optimal growth with the ideal environment and climate; however, they also require certain care and maintenance to thrive. Some tips for caring for the cherry blossom include pruning and mulching. They also require the right balance of nutrients and water and the occasional pest control. Additionally, these trees are relatively susceptible to disease, so they need to be monitored carefully.
Environmental Impact of the Cherry Blossom Tree
Cherry blossom trees have a beneficial impact on the environment, as they help to supply wildlife with food and natural habitats. In addition, the cherry blossom tree’s blossoms provide a safe place for insects, birds, and other animals to reside. They also provide natural pollen and nectar for local insects and bees, who are fundamental for the maintenance of vegetation in our gardens and forests.
