Blooming Sakura trees, the cherry blossoms of Japan, herald the spring in the country, flowering between March and early April. The bloom starts from South of Japan, moving North as the days pass. The flowers will wither away in about two weeks, leaving behind a sight to behold.
Belonging to the genus of Prunus, there are about 10 varieties of wild species native to Japan, such as the Yamazakura and Oshimazakura. However, there are more than 200 varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan, many of which are hybrids or cultivars bred for their beauty. Some put the number even as high as 600. The most common type is the Somei-Yoshino, with its pale pink, five-petaled blossoms. White and rose varieties are also common.
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