Common Name:

General Information

Keteleeria fortunei is an evergreen tree with horizontal branches and a pyramidal crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 100cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is used in reforestation projects and is also grown as an ornamental[].
Although relatively widespread in distribution, centuries of deforestation in southern China have undoubtedly reduced the forests in which this species naturally occurs. It is, however, capable of regeneration in secondary vegetation; a decline in primary forest can therefore not be directly translated into a decline of the species. Keteleeria fortunei 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 (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang), northern Vietnam

Habitat

Mixed mesophytic forest and, more usually, evergreen broad-leaved forest in hills and mountains; at elevations from 200 - 1,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Keteleeria fortunei occurs in the humid, warm temperate to subtropical zone of southern China, where it is found at elevations from 380 - 1,200 metres. The mean annual precipitation is between 1,300 - 2,000mm[]. Plants are not very cold-hardy, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -5 to -10°c when fully dormant. They grow best in areas with hot summers - in cooler regions the new growth does not fully ripen and is then more susceptible to damage by winter cold[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is often found growing in secondary forest and is used in planting schemes for reforrestation[].

Other Uses

The wood is used for construction and furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse in the spring[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from winter cold for their first two winters outdoors.
Cuttings of leading shoots from coppiced plants, summer in a frame[]. Easy[].