Common Name:

General Information

Alnus formosana is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The bole is straight[, ].
The plant is a natural pioneer species and can be used for restoring woodland within its native range. It is also used to stabilize soils on slopes.
Although this species has a fairly small distribution, found only in Taiwan, it is not currently subject to any major threats and the population is not predicted to decline in the near future. 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 - Taiwan

Habitat

It is typically found forming pure stands on sun-facing slopes of riverbeds, in wet or exposed places and along newly built highways; at elevations up to 2,900 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	17.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Alnus formosana is a plant of subtropical areas in Taiwan, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,900 metres. It should succeed outdoors at least in the milder regions of the temperate zone.
Prefers a heavy soil and a damp situation[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[]. Tolerates very infertile sites[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species widely contributes to soil stabilisation on barren and collapsed lands. Soon after Typhoon Morakot damaged parts of Taiwan, Alnus formosana covered up the devastated area and helped with land restoration[].
It is a pioneer species which is light-demanding and highly adaptable to harsh environments including collapsed and reclaimed lands[].

Other Uses

This species is seldom regarded as a precious wood in Taiwan[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe and only just covered[]. Spring sown seed should also germinate successfully so long as it is not covered[, ]. The seed should germinate in the spring as the weather warms up. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. If growth is sufficient, it is possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer, otherwise keep them in pots outdoors and plant them out in the spring.
If you have sufficient quantity of seed, it can be sown thinly in an outdoor seed bed in the spring[]. The seedlings can either be planted out into their permanent positions in the autumn/winter, or they can be allowed to grow on in the seed bed for a further season before planting them.
Cuttings of mature wood, taken as soon as the leaves fall in autumn, outdoors in sandy soil.