This species is closely related to Abies delavayi[].

Common Name:

General Information

Abies recurvata is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 150cm in diameter[].
This species has historically been heavily exploited for its timber but, at present (2016) there is a ban in place in western China, forbidding the logging of the ancient forests[].
A timber tree in western China, it was heavily exploited until recently (2015) when the Chinese government finally decided to preserve its remaining old growth forests in the western provinces. Future threats include acid rain and possibly climate change. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southwest China

Habitat

Montane forests, where it can form abundant stands, especially in river valleys and on slopes; usually growing on grey-brown mountain podzols; at elevations between 2,500 - 3,500 metres[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	35.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies recurvata is found in montane regions in the warm temperate to subtropical zone of southwest China. The climate is cold, moist, with annual precipitation between 700 - 1,000mm[]. Dormant trees are very cold hardy, but young growth is susceptible to frost damage.
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Extremely shade tolerant, especially when young, though it grows more slowly 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 are susceptible to damage by late frosts[].
Of moderate growth, height increases of 45cm per year for 50 years have been recorded[].
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

Wood - hard, close grained, easily worked. Mainly used for construction, furniture and pulp[, , ].

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[].