Common Name:

General Information

Abies mariesii is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it usually grows 12 - 15 metres tall, with some specimens up to 25 metres[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. A very ornamental plant, though it is little grown in gardens[].
Despite being restricted to high elevations, the distribution and regeneration of this species appeasr to guarantee the survival of this species, so that it is therefore not considered threatened. 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 - Japan (Honshu)

Habitat

Often forming pure stands on cool wet mountainsides, growing on well drained but moderately moist soils that are mostly derived from volcanic rock, usually podzolic and slightly acid or neutral; at elevations from 600 - 2,600 metres[, , , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of montane regions in the temperate zone. The climate is cold, with abundant winter snow and cool, moist summers, the annual precipitation can exceed 2,000mm. Frequent typhoons are a destructive force reducing the maximum age of trees[]. Dormant trees are very cold tolerant, but new growth is ery susceptible to frost damage.
Prefers a good, moist but well-drained soil on the light side[, ]. Succeeds 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[].
Plants can be rather slow growing, with less than 30cm per year increase in height being the average[, , ].
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[].
The flowers are produced in axils of the previous year's shoots[].
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

Wood - strong, light, straight grained, polishes well. Used for construction, pulp, utensils 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[].