Everlasting Water Cycle: Yakushima

This is "Hananoego" the southernmost marsh in Japan. Sponge-like peat moss absorbs rainwater creating a natural reservoir. Both subtropical and arctic plant species can be found here. A thin layer of soil covers the rock surface. Trees survive by clinging to the rocks. Yakushima is the southernmost point where wild Japanese cedars grow. On the island, Japanese cedar under than 1000 years old are called "Ko-sugi" and the ones older than that are called "Yaku-sugi". Large Japanese cedars have individual names. This one is called Kigen-sugi. It is thought to be 3000 years old. This one Jomon-sugi is said to be 7200 years old. The root of Yaku-sugi is covered in thick moss which is an indispensable part of the island ecosystem. It also prevents the tree roots from drying up and protects against soil erosion.