Common Name:

General Information

Calocedrus macrolepis is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown; it can grow 15 - 25 metres tall, exceptionally to 30 metres with some trees in Yunnan said to be 40 metres tall. The bole is usually short but straight, though often twisted in trees more than 10 metres tall, it can be 60 - 150cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is highly valued as a source of wood and incense. It is much harvested from the wild, being used locally and also traded. It is often used as a pioneer in reforestation projects in China and, because the tree has a beautiful crown and form, it is also planted for decorative purposes[].
The major threat to this species has been overexploitation for its valuable timber throughout its range. In southern Viet Nam and Lao PDR it has also been, and continues to be threatened by forest fragmentation, forest fire and conversion of its habitat to agricultural use. 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 - southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand

Habitat

Montane mixed evergreen conifer-broad-leaved forest; also in rocky places and much planted in roadsides and field margins; at elevations from 800 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Calocedrus macrolepis is found at moderate to higher elevations in the warm temperate to tropical regions of China and southeast Asia. It prefers a humid climate. It has a cold hardiness limit between -6.6°c and -1.1°c[]. The tree can tolerate frosts, but needs hot summers in order to do so. It is likely to succeed in warm temperate areas with continental climates and mild winters such as southeastern USA[].
Prefers yellow ferallitic soils with shallow or moderately thick, but humus-rich surface layers[].
Regeneration is good in places with ample light, such as along streams or at forest edges329].
Trees tend to be much branched especially when grown in open vegetation, so need to be grown in forest conditions if required for their timber[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used as a pioneer species for the afforestation of deforested lands in its native area because of its easy germination (it also grows from cuttings) and light-demanding properties combined with rapid growth[].

Other Uses

The wood is aromatic, and can be used in joss-stick making[]. It is highly valued as an incense in Laos and Vietnam[].

The wood is not strong, but is straight-grained and with a moderately fine texture. It is very durable, being resistant to termites and insects. It is easily worked. It is used as construction timber, for cabinet-work and for woodturning[]. The wood is highly valued in Laos and Vietnam for making high value furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of the current season's growth, taken in mid autumn, in a light sandy soil in a cold frame[].