Castanopsis
Fagaceae
- Range
- From mainland Japan to the Ryukyu Islands, and Jeju Island
In the diorama, it towers above and provides a home for animals.
Castanopsis is a quintessential tree of Tokunoshima's forests. It can grow to 20 m tall or more, with a trunk diameter exceeding 1 m. In spring, the fragrance of its flowers can be detected even from town areas, attracting many insects. In autumn, the tree bears acorns, which provide important nutrition for animals including the Amami rabbit. Larger trees often develop hollows in their trunks that serve as homes for creatures like Ryukyu long-furred rat and Neolucanus protogenetivus protogenetivus. Castanopsis has also played a significant role in human life, as people have traditionally consumed its acorns, and utilized its timber. It truly supports the nature, culture, and history of Tokunoshima in every way.
Habitat of This Animal:
B:Forest along the mountain ridge - B2:Deep forest
As time passes from the felling of trees, trees in the forest will grow taller and thicker. Tall trees like Castanopsis, a representative tree of forests in Tokunoshima Island, form the forest canopy. Different layers of plants are formed beneath it, including medium-to-small trees and bottom weeds, and the forest floor becomes gradually darker. Through such a process, the forest will become deeper, supporting the fauna of Tokunoshima Island.
This B2:Deep forest