Japan has a varied and luxuriant flora that has more than 4000 species of plants. In spring there are not only cherry trees in bloom that are the symbol of Japan, but also camellias, azaleas and peonies. In autumn chrysanthemum (in the picture), maples, birches, cypresses and cedars create an explosion of colors in the hills around the cities. There are also bamboo plants in the south, myrtle, beeches, willows, chestnuts, larches, firs and vast tea crops in the north. The macaque is widespread in particular in the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Other animals are the giant salamander and the dormouse of Japan, the mole of Senkaku, the rabbit of Amami and the mouse of Muennink.