This taxon was treated as a variety of Calocedrus macrolepis in the Flora of China(266); in the Flora of Taiwan (Li et al.1975) Calocedrus formosana is recognized as a species. The morphological differences are small but constant and Calocedrus formosana only occurs in Taiwan[].

Common Name:

General Information

Calocedrus formosana is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 23 metres tall. The bole is often crooked, it can be up to 300cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is mainly used locally. The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
The species is experiencing a continuing decline in its area of occupancy and quality of habitat due to illegal logging, transformation of old growth forest to managed production forest, and expansion of agriculture, especially livestock grazing. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - northern and central Taiwan

Habitat

Mixed conifer-broad-leaved climax forest, often as an emergent, growing in deep, rich forest soil over shalestone or schist; also in secondary forest and on cliffs and rocky ridges; at elevations from 300 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Calocedrus formosa is found at low to moderate elevations in the subtropical zone of Taiwan. It prefers a humid climate. It has a cold hardiness limit between -6.6°c and -1.1°c[]. The tree can tolerate frosts, but needs hot summers in order to do so. It is likely to succeed in warm temperate areas with continental climates and mild winters such as southeastern USA[].
Young plants are shade tolerant, requiring more light as they grow older. Prefers a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The valuable wood of this tree is in demand for construction purposes, mainly at a local or regional level[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of the current season's growth, taken in mid autumn, in a light sandy soil in a cold frame[].