This species is closely related to Abies recurvata and Abies squamata[].

Common Name:

General Information

Abies delavayi is an evergreen tree with a long, narrow crown; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 150cm or more in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber, which is traded.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Yunnan Province in China to northern Vietnam, northern Myanmar and the eastern Himalayas

Habitat

Mixed forests in mountainous areas, most commonly on north-facing slopes, favouring grey-brown mountain podzols; at elevations from 2,000 - 4,300 metres, but mainly at 3,000 - 4,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of mountainous areas in the temperate to subtropical zones, where it is found at elevations up to 4,300 metres. It grows in areas where the climate is extremely wet, with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. The annual precipitation ranges from 1,000 - 3,000mm or more[]. Although dormant plants are very cold tolerant, young growth is very susceptible to damage by late frosts[, , ].
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[].
Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Tannin is obtained from the bark[].

Wood - light, soft, not very durable. Used for interior work, general construction, wood pulp etc[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse or outdoors in early spring[]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[]. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[, ]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre[] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[].