| Japanese Cherry | |
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| Somei Yoshino Sakura | |
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A cherry blossom, or sakura (Japanese kanji and Chinese character: 桜 or 櫻; katakana: サクラ), is a flower of Japanese cherry trees. The cherry fruit is from a different species of tree. Most of the flowers are white or pink with five petals.
There are about 400 different types of cherry trees. They mutate easily. Somei Yoshino is the most famous type of sakura.
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring for Japanese people. The traditional custom of Hanami or Flower viewing involves visiting places where sakura are blooming. The word "Sakura" can also be used as a name for women.
What do cherry blossoms smell like? Cherry blossoms have a smell, but it's very faint and subtle. The scent features light notes of lilac, rose, and magnolia with a powdery vanilla note and almond-like aromas. The aroma isn't overly sweet, fruity, or floral.