The two similar names Larix griffithii and Larix griffithiana have been used more or less interchangeably in the literature on conifers. However, the former name (founded in 1854) has priority over the latter (founded in 1855). The presumed basionym Abies griffithiana Lindley et Gord. (1850) is a nomen nudum and so the correct name for this species, following the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, is Larix griffithii[]..

Common Name:

General Information

Larix griffithii is a deciduous tree with a broad conical or pyramidal crown, becoming domed with age; it grows around 15 - 20 metres tall, occasionally to 23 metres, with a straight or somewhat bent trunk around 50 - 80cm in diameter[].
The tree produces a good quality timber but is of minor economic importance as a timber tree due to its occurrence in remote valleys and on high slopes[].
Whilst logging of Larix griffithii occurs in some valleys, there are no reports that this has been or is causing a decline in the global population, which is widespread and numerous in large parts of the Himalayas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Himalayan regions of Nepal, northeast India, China

Habitat

Growing in the cloud belt, on rocky moraines or various lithosols occurring in pure forests up to the tree line, at elevations from 1,800 - 4,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Larix griffithii is a plant of higher elevations in the Himalayas where the climate is moist to wet (with a summer monsoon), with annual precipitation exceeding 2,000mm[]. Outside of its native range the plant can be difficult to cultivate - in mild, maritime areas it comes into growth too early and is then often damaged by late frosts; whilst the winters in colder continental climates are often too severe for it to survive[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used for afforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[].

A good quality timber[], it is used for construction, pit props, railway sleepers, and making furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in pots in a cold frame. One months cold stratification helps germination[]. It is best to give the seedlings light shade for the first year[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Although only a few centimetres tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer providing you give them an effective weed-excluding mulch and preferably some winter protection for their first year. Otherwise grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. The seed remains viable for 3 years[]
If you are growing larger quantities of plants, you can sow the seed in an outdoor seedbed in late winter. Grow on the seedlings in the seedbed for a couple of years until they are ready to go into their permanent positions then plant them out during the winter.