Common Name: Taiwan Fir

General Information

Abies kawakamii is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow 15 - 36 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 150cm or more in diameter[].
Although little used at present, the tree has been extensively harvested for its wood in the past, much of the wood being exported to Japan[].
This species has a limited extent of occurrence and area of occupancy. Subpopulations could be considered severely fragmented and there are between five and ten locations when fire is considered as the main potential threat. However, as there is currently no evidence of a continuing decline, the plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central Taiwan

Habitat

Forests on montane slopes, sometimes in pure stands at elevations over 3,000 metres, growing in grey brown podzolized soils and also on mountain yellow earth, both acid and usually rocky; at elevations from 2,400 - 3,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies kawakamii is a plant of montane regions in the subtropical zone, where it can be found at elevations up to 3,600 metres. The climate is temperate, super humid with an annual precipitation that exceeds 4,000mm and can reach up to 10,000mm, making this region one of the wettest mountain ranges in the world. The dormant plants are very cold tolerant, but young growth is susceptible to frost damage[].
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. 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

The wood is used for general carpentry[].

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[].