TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Prefecture--Seedlings of a preserved pine tree, which miraculously survived the tsunami disaster in March 2011, are growing vigorously here.
TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Prefecture--Seedlings of a preserved pine tree, which miraculously survived the tsunami disaster in March 2011, are growing vigorously here.
Dubbed the “miracle pine,” the tree was the only one left standing in the scenic Takata-Matsubara forest after the tsunami struck Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture.
Although the pine later died due to the saline soil left behind by the retreating seawater and was felled last year, it has been preserved as a memorial.
A project to raise seedlings of the miracle pine was suggested by Sumitomo Forestry Co.’s Tsukuba Research Institute.
The institute first collected 70 seeds from pinecones remaining on the branches, and then planted them between March and May.
While previous attempts by the institute to grow seedlings from the miracle pine failed, nine sprouts have appeared to date. They have grown to 3 to 4 centimeters in height. Sumitomo Forestry plans to bring the young trees back to Rikuzentakata someday.