This species is closely related to Abies delavayi[].

Common Name: Flaky Fir

General Information

Abies squamata is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow from 18 - 35 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 150cm in diameter[].
The tree has potential as a commercial source of timber, but its occurrence at extremely high altitudes in inaccessible places prevents it from being exploited[].
Although it is widespread and common where it occurs, this species was exploited in the past for its timber and it is estimated that there has been at least a 30% population reduction in the past 150 years. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - western China from Tibet to southern Gansu

Habitat

Montane to subalpine forests, growing on grey-brown mountain podzols or lithosols in very dry region; at elevations from 3,500 - 4,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies squamata is a plant of the montane to subalpine zone in western China, where it is found at elevations from 3,500 - 4,500 metres. The climate is cold, relatively dry (arid in E Xizang), but there is usually perpetual snow at higher elevations which provides sufficient moisture throughout the year[].
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[].
A slow growing tree, but it can grow well in areas milder than its native range[].
Very cold tolerant, but it can be excited into premature growth in the mild winters of Britain and this young growth is susceptible to damage by late frosts[].
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[].
This species is said to be found at the highest elevation of any tree in the world[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is of good quality. It is used for house building, 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[].