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The best, most floribund forms of the Japanese 'Taizan-fukun' have a widely funnelshaped calyx, showing in a cross section a triangle with equal sides; in this hollow calyx many undeveloped petals are stuffed together, as if they could not find their way out while expanding. Other forms of 'Taizan-fukun' have a more slender calyx. 'Taizan-fukun' has pale pink flowers about 3 cm in diameter with approximately fifty to sixty petals. The young foliage is bronze-green and expands to relatively small, mature leaves. The bast of two-year-old branches peels off slightly. The broom-like shape of the tree has advantages for private and narrower gardens. The blossoming of 'Taizan-fukun' is quite abundant and, like its form 'Hoki-zakura', it keeps its flowers for a long time. Prunus 'Taizan-fukun' Less current synonym: Prunus Ă—miyoshii 'Ambigua' Description: Tree rather narrow and vase-shaped, with many thin branches(!), to 4 m high. Young foliage shiny green to bronze-green (RHS 146-A), already unfolded in the flowering season. Leaves fully developed are relatively small, 410 Ă— 34 cm. Serration double, with short awns.
Figure 171 'Taizan-fukun'. Photo by Arie Peterse, 29 April 1996, Tama Forest Science Garden, Tokyo.