Cryptomeria is a very small genus of conifer, one of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). This genus contains only one species, Cryptomeria japonica. It is worth mentioning because this tree is very important in Japan, where it is the national tree. The Japanese call it Sugi, and it is often found planted around important buildings. It can grow to tremendous size, up to 70 meters tall. There are also a number of cultivars used for decoration and as bonsai. It is used in forestry projects in Japan and China, and is used in landscaping around the world. It is slow growing, but well worth the wait if you have a few decades to spare. The biggest downside to planting sugi is that their pollen is a common cause of hay fever.