In Mori, a town in southern Hokkaido, a very peculiar plant phenomenon was captured on camera. When posted on social media, it instantly became a hot topic, garnering over 120,000 likes. What on earth is this...?!

This is what happens when you leave a traffic cone out for too long 🌱

Photo courtesy of @mori_tourism

The photo shows a plant that has grown in the shape of a traffic cone! This artistic sight has drawn comments on social media like, "It's a complete work of art," "A natural traffic cone," and "It looks like the veins of a traffic cone." This plant was shaped by a traffic cone that had been left in the same spot for a long time. But why did it grow this way?

The Reason for the Mysterious Plant Lies in a Unique Cherry Blossom Variety, 'Mori Komachi'

Mori is a town proud of its cherry blossoms. In fact, near this traffic cone is a unique cherry blossom variety called 'Mori Komachi.' We spoke with a representative from the Mori Tourism Association, who posted the photo. They explained that the cone was used with a pole for demarcation. It was placed there for about two and a half months when the unique variety was planted, to allow the roots to settle into the soil.

'Mori Komachi,' a cherry blossom variety that can only be seen in Mori Town

This mysterious plant was born from the effort to plant and protect the young trees of Mori's unique cherry blossoms. The sight of the roots tenaciously spreading, even when restricted by a cone, gives a sense of overflowing vitality.

There were actually four of these "natural traffic cones"

Finally, the Mori Tourism Association shared a message for the readers of Domingo.

When you visit Mori in Southern Hokkaido in the spring, be sure to check out the unique cherry blossom variety, 'Mori Komachi.'

Aobagaoka Park

■Location: 12 Kiyosumi-cho, Mori-machi
Click here for details and map information for "Aobagaoka Park"