Rare green cherry blossom

An unusual variety of cherry blossom with a yellow-green color is in full bloom along the Mitoya River, which flows through Unnan City in Shimane Prefecture. The rare yaezakura (double-layered cherry blossom) is called Gioiko, said to be named after the costumes worn by nobility during the Heian period (794-1185). Its green color is particularly strong when the flowers start blooming, but gradually fades, as the center takes on a reddish hue.
The trees have made this a popular sightseeing spot, but they are the result of a happy accident. When locals ordered seedlings from Nara Prefecture to plant along the river, some Gioiko happened to be mixed in with the batch.