The huge cycad tree in Shin-machi
he huge cycad tree in Shin-machi is estimated to be over 600 years old and is one of the largest in Japan.
It is 10 meters tall and its roots are about 2.5 meters in diameter.
It was designated as a national natural treasure in 1936. Emperor Showa (Hirohito: 1901-1989)
and the Empress observed it in 1981.
The cycad tree is an evergreen shrub, a species of gymnosperm from the family Cycadaceae.
Legend says that it was named Sotetsu because nails driven into the tree would revive it.