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HIBA means a kind of conifer (Taujopsis dorabrate). IWAHIBA
grows on rocks in humid areas (like waterfalls) and the total form
looks like a small conifer. This fern was utilised as a medicinal
herb in old times. It seems that Sellaginella tamariscina came to
be appreciated by enthusiasts in the Edo Period. Two cultivars
appeared in the first gardening encyclopedia KADAN JIKINSHOO
written by IHEI in 1695. Since then, many cultivars with unique
variegations were bred by enthusiasts. Fifty-six cultivars were
introduced in TOOTO IWAHIBA NAYORITORIKUMI (= ranking list
of IWAHIBA cultivars in Tokyo), the first list of IWAHIBA
enthusiasts published in 1843. Now, over 200 cultivars are
registered in the list of NIHON IWAHIBA RENGOOKAI (= Japan
IWAHIBA Association, established in 1952). Exhibitions of
IWAHIBA cultivars are held in several places in Japan in autumn.
Enthusiasts appreciate the change of leaf colors through the four
seasons, but especially in autumn, when its leaves turn red like
maple leaves.
soil should always be moist since it grows on the humid slopes of
mountainous areas; loves a half-shady place throughout the year;
basically does not need fertilizer; half-hardy. If you want to grow
it in Japanese traditional potting-style, plant it with small-sized
pumice in a decorative pot.
| KOTENENGEISHOKUBUTSUIWAHIBA | You can enjoy beautiful photos of IWAHIBA cultivars on this website. He is a pioneer who has made a website on IWAHIBA. (Japanese version only) |
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The website "IWAHIBANI MISERARETE" is created by Mr.Numao. He has a huge collection of IWAHIBA cultivars. Youcan enjoy the photos of IWAHIBA cultivars with various types of leaves. (Japanese version only) |
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"(=enchanted by IWAHIBA). I can show you the photos of his
IWAHIBA collection because of his kind offer. Please enjoy!
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