Katsura

Katsura (lat.: "cercidiphyllum japonicum") is the most widely used wood for gobans in Japan.

This frost-sensitive tree grows quickly to 30 meters (100 feet) in light Asian woodlands. It prefers moist soils, and appears at elevations between 1600-2800 meters (approximately one and two miles). Katsura boards show an itame grain, and lack the color and brightness of kaya boards.

The prices for 3 centimeter (1 inch) thick boards range from US$50 for a folding board to US$250 for a solid board. A traditional floor goban made from katsura costs approximately US$1500, depending on thickness.

Related (botanical) links:

• "cercidiphyllum japonicum" at Plants for a Future