Abies recurvata
| Abies recurvata | |
| Light: |    |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 115' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
Abies recurvata
Propagation: Seed - sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[1]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[1]. 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[2][3]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[3]. 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[1] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[2].
Cultivation: Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[4]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Extremely shade tolerant, especially when young, though it grows more slowly in dense shade[5]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[4]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[6]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[6].
This species is closely related to A. delavayi[7].
Plants are susceptible to damage by late frosts[4].
Of moderate growth, height increases of 45cm per year for 50 years have been recorded[8]. Trees grow best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland and other areas with cool wet summers[7].
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[6].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[6]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[6].
Range: E. Asia - W. China
Habitat: Forms abundant forests in river basins and on mountains at elevations between 2500 - 3500 metres[9][10].
Usage: Wood - hard, close grained, easily worked. Used for construction, furniture and pulp[11][12][10].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Mid Fall-Late Fall
Flower Type: Monoecious
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 McMillan-Browse, Philip. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books, 1985.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Rushforth, Keith. Conifers. Batsford, 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Mitchell, Alan. Conifers in the British Isles. Stationery Office Books, 1975.
- ↑ Wilson, Ernest and Charles Sargent. Plantae Wilsonianae.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.