0 Pinus kwangtungensis Chun ex Tsiang

Pinus kwangtungensis Chun ex Tsiang 

Pinus kwangtungensis Chun ex Tsiang; Photo alamy.com and wikidata.org

Latin name:

Pinus kwangtungensis Chun ex Tsiang 

Vernacular: 

Thông Pà Cò

Family: 

Pinaceae 

Taxonomic notes:

Two varieties. For the type variety, syn: Pinus wangii Hu et W. C. Cheng var. kwangtungensis (Chun et Tsiang) Silba. The second variety is Pinus kwangtungensis var. varifolia Nan Li et Y. C. Zhong, Novon 7: 262. 1997. Many authors do not treat it at the species rank, preferring to lump it with either of the closely related taxa Pinus morrisonicola of Taiwan or Pinus fenzeliana of south China and Vietnam. In this treatment of the group, I have chosen to treat each taxon as a good species, following the line taken by the Flora of China (Wu and Raven 1999) as a recent authoritative treatment. However, I feel the Flora does tend toward "splitting" taxa on the basis of what many authors consider to be minor characters.

Morphology 

An evergreen, medium to large- sized tree, reaching 17-20m in height, with a diameter of 50- 70cm (or more). Having dormant buds with light brown scales. Needles in fascicles of 5 at twig tips. Female cones solitary, oviform, when mature reaching 6-7 x 4.5-5.5cm in size, with scalesinvertedly ovate, slightly convex inside, concave outside, rhomboid tip, and a hilum at tip. Seeds oval, bearing a wing at tip. 

Distribution and ecology 

This tree species endemic to the South of China and the North of Vietnam. First discovered in

Vietnam at Hoa Binh province (Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district) and recently at Cao Bang province (Due Hong commune, Trung Khanh district). Occurring naturally in pure belts on limestone peaks at elevations of about 1,300 - 1,500m asl. Occasionally mixed with Fokienia hodginsii and some species of Fagaceae and Lauraceae. 

Uses 

Timber used by local people as good construction timber. Besides its oleo resin can be used as an adhesive. This is a very endangered tree species of Vietnam. Due to its confined habitats, the number of individuals is not many, and the needs in construction timber and fuel wood of the tribesmen groups may cause the species to disappear; its number being strongly reduced. Rated as a vulnerable species. We need integral protection of the species in- situ (at the existing pine groves of Pa Co). Research should also be made to create plantations of the species at its range of habitats, as supplementary measures for preservation. 

Read more

0 Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon

Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon 

Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon; Photo conifers.org and baguiocityguide.com

Latin name:

Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon 

Synonym:

Pinus cavendishiana Parl. 

Pinus insularis var. khasyana (Griff.) Silba

Pinus kasya Parl. 

Pinus kasya Royle ex Parl.

Pinus khasia Engelm. 

Pinus khasya Hook.f.

Pinus khasyana Griff.

Vernacular name: 

Thông ba lá 

Family: 

Pinaceae 

Morphology:

A big tree, 3D-35m high with straight, cylindrical bole. Bark is thick and dark brown, deeply splitted longitudinally. Branches robust, red brown, from the second year, branches pointing downwards. Leaf-base scale shaped, caducous.

Leaves dark green, soft, usually with 3 needles in an ocreate fascicle at tip of a short twig. Needle 1520cm long, ocrea 1.2cm long, persistent. Fruit ovoid, 5-9cm long, often curved downwards, sometimes slightly distorted; scales of second-year fruit dense, umbo a little convex, sometimes acutely spinous. Two relief-lines (tranversal and longitudinal) across the middle of the scale surface. Seed winged, 1.5-2.5cm long 

Distribution and ecology:

Distributed in Lai Chau, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Quang Ninh provinces; usually growing in a pure stand or mixed with broad-leaved trees but can not form open pine forests type. A light-demanding tree, preferring high-rainfall climate, with a distinct dry and rainy season, air humidity not too low (under 70%). Frost-tolerant and can grow on poor soil condition as long as it is well-drained. Natural regeneration is strong on bare land. Flowering in April-May. Fruiting 2 years after. 

Uses

Timber soft and light, less durable than that of Pinus merkusii. Can be used for housing implements, boxes, matches, paper pulp and temporary electric poles. Resin good but not abundant, therefore not yet much exploited. 

Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996

 

Read more

0 Pinus dalatensis Ferré

Pinus dalatensis Ferré

Pinus dalatensis Ferré; Photo threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk and conifersociety.org

Latin name:

Pinus dalatensis Ferré

Vernacular names: 

Thông đà Lạt, Thông năm lá 

Family: 

Pinaceae 

Morphology:

A big evergreen tree, up to 15-25cm (sometimes to 45m) in height, with diameter of 60-100cm (or more). On young trees, bark has longitudinal fissures and is resinous. Crown conical, somewhat open. Needles in fascicles of 5 in sheaths, that is shed when the needles are still green. Cones unisexual, on some stalks. Female cone has 20-30 yellowish brown scales, when mature, scales become dark grey. Seeds ovate, brown, with wing on the tip. 

Distribution and ecology:

An endemic tree species to Vietnam,

found only in Ngoc Linh mountain (Kon Tum province) and in Chu Jang Sin (Lam Dong and Dac Lac provinces). Growing in dense, moist, evergreen subtropical forests, on yellow ferallitic soils or dark gley soils of shallow depths, above the altitude of more than 1,500m asl.. Often mixed with Ducampopinus krempfii, Pinus keisya, Dacrydium pierrei and Fokienia hodginsii. The seedlings are found at the edge of the forests and along the streams. Cones begin to mature in February and March and reach maturity in October-December. 

Uses:

The wood is soft, light and slightly resinous with good physical and mechanical properties and can be used as Pinus kesiya. It can also be grown in parks and along streets of towns at high altitude. This is an endangered tree species, growing sparsely and regenerating only with much difficulty. The number of individuals is low and is continuously being reduced, its distribution becoming more and more confined to small isolated areas as its habitats are being destroyed. Strict protection is needed to preserve this valuable species. 

Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Keteleeria evelyniana Mast.

Latinh Name:

Keteleeria evelyniana Mast.

Synonym

Keteleeria davidiana subsp. evelyniana (Mast.) Eckenw.

Keteleeria delavayi Tiegh.

Keteleeria dopiana Flous

Keteleeria evelyniana var. dopiana (Flous) Silba

Keteleeria evelyniana var. hainanensis (Chun & Tsiang) Silba

Keteleeria evelyniana subsp. hainanensis (Chun & Tsiang) Silba

Keteleeria evelyniana var. pendula Hsueh

Keteleeria evelyniana var. roulletii (A.Chev.) Silba

Keteleeria evelyniana subsp. roulletii (A.Chev.) Silba

Keteleeria hainanensis Chun & Tsiang

Keteleeria roulletii (A.Chev.) Flous

Tsuga roulletii A.Chev.

Vernacular name : 

Du sam nói  đất, Mạy Hinh 

Family : 

Pinaceae 

Morphology 

An evergreen large-sized and single stemmed trees with an irregular branching habit, older trees with a broad crown, reaching up to 25- 30m high and 0.6-1.0m or more in diameter. Bark brownish-red and longitudinally fissured. Leaves spiral or arranged in two rows at branch-tops, linear, (2-)3-6.5(-8)x0.2-0.4cm, longer on young twigs; straight or falcate.Two ranges of stomata evident on lower surface. Male cones in catkin, grouped into racemes, axillary or terminal, 1-1.5cm long. Female cones solitaire, straight, axillary or subterminal, ovate or cylindrical, 12-20x3.6cm. Seed oblong, 0.9-1.4x 0.7cm, with resinous glands and yellow wings, 2-3x1.2-1.5cm, base attenuate. 

Distribution and ecology.

This species is widely distributed in Laos( along the border between Laos and Vietnam), the Southern China (Yunnan) and Vietnam. In Vietnam, it is found from the North to the South : Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, Ha tinh, Thua Thien-Hue, Kon Tum, Dac Lac Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan . Mainly growing in warm primary and secondary closed evergreen tropical seasonal mixed or coniferous submontane forests. Often mixed with tree species of Fagaceae, Lauraceae and Pinus kesiya(in some areas) on neutral soil. A fast- growing tree, found on 1000- 1,600m asl. (occasionally 500- 2000m). It prefers tropical or subtrolical climate : mean annual temperature 18- 22oC, annual rainfall above 1500mm. Natural regeneration is good. 

Uses 

Timber yellowish–white , resistant to insects , used in construction or household furniture making. It can be planted in mountainous regions. Its population and distribution areas are decreased (listed in Vietnam Red Data Book as Vulnerable 

Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996

Keteleeria evelyniana Mast.; Photo botanyphoto.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca 

Read more

0 Abies delavayi Franch. subsp. fansipanensis (Q.P. Xiang) Rushforth

Latin name: 

Abies delavayi Franch. subsp. fansipanensis (Q.P. Xiang) Rushforth

(A. delavayi var. nukiangensis Farjon &Silba) 

Abies delavayi Franch. subsp. fansipanensis (Q.P. Xiang) Rushforth; Photo from 

threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk

Vernacular Name : 

Vân Sam

Family:  

Pinaceae

Morphology:

An medium or large- sized tree, up to 15-30m high and 1m in diameter. Twigs glabrous or pubescent. Bark greyish with reddish spots and lenticels. Buds elliptic-ovoid, 8mm long. Leaves spiral, straight, lineair, 1.2-4.3x 0.15-0.28cm, curved, apex lightly emarginated; nerves evident beneath, stomata arranged into 2 bands on lower surfaces, with 12 lines for each. Male cones axillary, pendulous, cylindrical, over 2cm long, rachis short, reddish. Female cones cylindrical, 6-10x 3-5cm, apex rounded or truncate,. Bracts triangular or suborbiculate , 10x4.5mm, top emarginated. Seeds 2 at the base of scales, 0.5-1cm long, with resinous glands, winged.

Distribution and ecology:

This species is widely distributed from north-east of India, northern Myanmar to south- western China), but A. delavayi subsp. Fansipanensis is endemic to Mt Fan Si Pan of Lao Cai province.It grows on the high slopes and ridges of Mt Fan Si Pan from 2600 to 3000m asl., in primary closed evergreen tropical seasonal mixed subalpine forests. Mean annual temperature of 8.8-10.8oC,annual rainfall of 2,500- 3,500mm. It also can be found in bamboo- dominated forests on granite derived soils, where it is mixed with Tsuga dumosa. Seed is shed annually but seedlings are not shade tolerant.

Uses:

Still not used economically in Vietnam because of its population is small and its habitat is too high and far from. In China, timber is used in construction and exploiting tannin from bark. This subspecies is very rare and threatened , has been listed in Vietnam Red Data Book ) as a Vulnerable subspecies (VU).

Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Keteleeria davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) Beissn.

Keteleeria davidiana (Bertrand) Beissn., Handb. Nadelholzk. 424 (fig. 117) (1891).

Keteleeria davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) Beissn; Photo Jim Robbins

Latinh name:

Keteleeria davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) Beissn. 

Synonym

Abies davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) Franch.

Abies sacra Franch.

Keteleeria calcarea W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu

Keteleeria chien-peii Flous

Keteleeria davidiana var. calcarea (W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu) Silba

Keteleeria davidiana subsp. calcarea (W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu) Silba

Keteleeria davidiana var. chien-peii (Flous) W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu

Keteleeria davidiana subsp. chien-peii (Flous) Silba

Keteleeria davidiana var. davidiana

Keteleeria davidiana var. pubescens (W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu) Silba

Keteleeria davidiana subsp. pubescens (W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu) Silba

Keteleeria davidiana var. sacra (Franch.) Beissn. & Fitschen

Keteleeria esquirolii H.Lév.

Keteleeria evelyniana subsp. xerophila (Hsueh & S.H.Hao) 

Keteleeria fortunei var. xerophila (Hsueh & S.H.Hao) Silba

Keteleeria pubescens W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu

Keteleeria sacra (Franch.) Beissn.

Keteleeria xerophila Hsueh & S.H.Hao

Picea davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) C.E.Bertrand

Pinus davidiana (C.E.Bertrand) W.R.McNab

Pinus sacra (Franch.) Voss

Podocarpus mairei Lemée & H.Lév.

Podocarpus sutchuenensis Franch.

Pseudotsuga davidiana C.E.Bertrand

Vernacular names: 

Du sam, Mạy hinh 

Family: 

Pinaceae 

Morphology 

A large tree with straight bole, that can reach 40m in height and 2m in diameter.. Bark grey and longitudinally fissured. Young twigs yellow or ashgrey, crown round. Leaves on young branches and young trees lanceolate, on old ones glandular form; tip obtuse, generally concave at middle tip, 2.5-5cm long and 0.3-0.4cm wide, two ranges of stomata on lower surface; upper surface glabrous, stomata absent or only few at the tip of leaf. At the initial stage, young trees have 7-10 spirally arranged leaf scales. Fruit cylindrical, 12-20cm long, green when young, brown when old. Fruity scales largely ovoid, thin margin at tip slightly curved outwards, entire or divided. Seed 0.6cm long with yellow wing, wider at the middle. 

Distribution and ecology 

Generally distributed in regions with moderate or cool climate (600m asl, upwards) on neutral or limestone soils. In northern Vietnam, Keteleeria davidiana mainly found in the northwestern region, mixed with Pinus spp. or with species of Fagaceae, and Lauraceae, in some places being the dominant species. A light-demanding tree, with natural regeneration occurring in very light places. 

Uses 

Wood soft and white-yellow. Sapwood and heartwood not distinctive. Used in construction, making of sleepers, mining poles and house implements. High content of essential oil in seeds, that can be used for burning and soap manufacturing. The tree can also be used in medicine. 

Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Fokienia hodginsii

Fokienia hodginsii A.Henry & H.H.Thomas, Gard. Chron. ser. 3, 49: 67 (1911).

Fokienia hodginsii Henry and Thomas; Photo: Daderot and John Ruter

Latin Name: Fokienia hodginsii Henry and Thomas

Synonym Name: Chamaecyparis hodginsii (Dunn) Rushforth; Cupressus hodginsii Dunn; Fokienia hodginsii subsp. kawaii (Hayata) Silba; Fokienia hodginsii var. kawaii (Hayata) Silba; Fokienia kawaii Hayata; Fokienia maclurei Merr.

Family: Cupressaceae

Vernacular: Pơ mu

Morphology:

An evergreen, large tree, 25-35m in height with a diameter up to 2m. Bole straight. Bark brown grey, peeling off when young, later longitudinally fissured aromatic. Twigs flat, crown pyramidal. Leaves have two forms: Long and lanceolate on young twigs (vegetation twigs), and scaly leaves on old twigs (reproductive twigs). Male cone oval, axillary. Female cone subglobose, at the tip of short twigs, when mature splits into 5 pairs of red-brown scales, each scale bearing two asymmetrically winged seeds.

Distribution and ecology:

Found in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Son La, Ha Bac, Hoa Binh, Vinh Phu, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dac Lac and Lam Dong province. A light-demanding tree, well adapted to mild climates with abundant rainfall, occurring naturally on humid soils in high mountain areas, slopes or flats. Distributed above 900m asl.on granite or limestone mountains, forming pure stands or mixed with Dacrydium pierrei, Pinus dalatensis and other species of broad-leaved tree species of Fagaceae, Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae. Good natural regeneration in open area such as: Along streams, at the forest edges, in the big open spaces of the young forests. Plantation can be carried out, using seedlings taken from the natural forests or raised in the nurseries.

Uses:

Timber: Light; fine and aromatic with straight grains. Formerly used for the making of coffins that are very durable when buried. Laotiens and Dao tribesmen split the timber for roofing and wall partitioning. The timber can be made into valuable fumiture, art articles and produce charcoal of high heat value. The distillation of wood especially that of the roots, gives high value essential oil, used for cosmetics and medicine preparation. An endangered tree species of Vietnam, that must be strictly protected in some Nature Reserves such as: Pu Mat (Nghe An), Vu Quang (Ha Tinh) and Bi Doup (Lam Dong).

Souce: VIETNAMFORESTTREES 1996

Read more

0 Cupressus torulosa D.Don

Cupressus torulosa D.Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal. 55 1825.

(Cupressus torulosa D.Don; Photo S. Rae)

Latin Name: Cupressus torulosa D.Don; Family : Cupressaceae

Synonym Name: Athrotaxis joucadan Carrière; Cupressus austrotibetica Silba; Cupressus corneyana Knight & Perry ex Carrière; Cupressus doniana Hook.f.; Cupressus duclouxiana subsp. austrotibetica (Silba) Silba; Cupressus flagelliformis Knight; Cupressus gigantea subsp. ludlowii (Silba) Silba; Cupressus gigantea subsp. tongmaiensis (Silba) Silba; Cupressus karnaliensis Silba; Cupressus karnaliensis var. mustangensis Silba; Cupressus karnaliensis subsp. mustangensis (Silba) Silba; Cupressus lusitanica subsp. kuluensis Silba; Cupressus lusitanica subsp. torulosa (D.Don) Silba & Brian Chen; Cupressus majestica Knight; Cupressus nepalensis Loudon; Cupressus pakistanensis Silba; Cupressus sempervirens var. indica Parl.; Cupressus sempervirens subsp. indica (Parl.) Silba; Cupressus tongmaiensis Silba; Cupressus tongmaiensis var. ludlowii Silba; Cupressus torulosa subsp. karnaliensis (Silba) Silba; Cupressus tournefortii Ten.; Cupressus whitleyana Carrière; Juniperus gracilis Carrière; Juniperus pendula Parl.; Sabina corneyana Antoine; Thuja curviramea Miq.

Vernacular name : Hoàng Đàn

Morphology:

An evergreen, medium-sized tree, up to 15-25m in height, some,times higher, with a diameter of 40-60cm (rarely 90cm). Bark grey brown, with longitudinal fissures. Twigs cylindrical, nearly quadrangular, branching in whorls. Crown large, oval in form. Leaves scaly, closely inserted on twigs. Cones: Unisexual, grouped on a stalk. Male cone subglobular, 5- 6mm long, female cone globular, with a diameter up to 15-20mm, 6-8 scales, green when young and becoming dark brown when mature, lignified and opening into 3 fragments, bearing 2 big winged seeds.

Distribution and ecology:

An endangered species in Vietnam, only found in a narrow area of the Central Region and the North, belonging to Lang Son and Tuyen Quang provinces. Also planted in Kon Tum and Lam Dong. Light-demaqding species, thriving in hot and wet tropical and subtropical forests having high rainfall, occurring naturally as dominant stands at elevation of 800-1200m, mixed with Markhamia stipulata and Burretiodendron hsienmu, on limestone mountain, sometimes forming pure stands on slopes and tips of mountain. Rather slow-growing, natural regeneration very limited. Cones appear in February-March, seed matures in May-June

Uses:

Prime timber with straight grain and fine texture, resistant to termites and insects, aromatic. Used for cabinetwork, office furniture, fine art articles. Also used in construction and railway carriage-making. Wood is aromatic, especially the Toot-wood, essential oil extracted from these parts used in medicine to cure inflammatory wounds, or as an anticeptic and also used for cosmetics. As an endangered species, it needs protection in its remaining natural distribution area in Lang Son and Tuyen Quang provinces, and plantations should be established to preserve the gene resource for further development of this species.

Souce: VIETNAMFORESTTREES 1996

Read more

0 Calocedrus rupestris Aver. H.T. Hiep&L.K.Phan

Calocedrus rupestris Aver. H.T. Hiep&L.K.Phan; Family: Cupressaceae

Photo by Tom Cox, davesgarden.com

Vernacular name: Bách xanh lá

Morphology: An evergreen big-sized tree, up to 25m tall and 1m in diameter. Bole straight, often twisted when over 10m. Crown broadly globose. Early branched. Branchlets arranged in a lane, spreading and ascending, flattened, prominently jointed. Bark dark brown with longitudinal fissures. Leaves scaly, closely inserted on twigs into nodes, each node with two big and two small opposite leaves. Seed cone oval, very small, opening into 3 fragments when mature, with the big fragment bearing 2 big winged seeds.

This species is distinguished from Calocedrus macrolepis by the obtuse leaf apex, small sub-sessile 4 scaled broadly ovate seed cones 4-5(-6)x2,5-3mm with very short stalk 0.5-1mm long having 6-8(-12) obtuse scales and fertile seed scales with incurved roundish apex having rough, more or less surface without any mucro.

Distribution and ecology: A new species has just discovered in Viet nam. The type locality is near Na Bo village, Liem Thuy commune, Na Ri District and BacCan province, at elevation of 650-700m asl.. It also distributed in Son La, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Hoa Binh, Nghe An and Quang Binh provinces; distributed in primary closed evergreen coniferous submontane forests; often mixed with Keteleeria davidiana, Pinus kwangtungensis and Pseudotsuga sinensis, onotops of rocky limestone hills (mean annual temperature is about 20 C, annual rainfall over 1500mm). Natural regeneration is not good

Uses: This species produces valuable, straight grained, finely textured timber, that is aromatic, resistant to termites and insects. It is used for construction, cabinet work, office furniture, fine crafts and for incense. As its beautiful cown and form, it also used for decorative purposes. This species can be planted in home gardens, around buldings, pagodas and cultural constructions.This is an endemic and threatened species, must be protected in Vietnam.

Souce: VIETNAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Calocedrus macrolepis Kurz

Calocedrus macrolepis Kurz; Family: Cupressaceae

Synonym: Libocedrus macrolepis (Kurz.) Benth

Vernacular names: Bách xanh, Pơ mu xanh, Tùng hương

Morphology: A large evergreen tree, up to 15-25 (rarely 30) metres in height, and with a diameter up to 60-80cm. Bole straight, often twisted when over 10m high. Bark dark brown with longitudinal fissures. Early branched, with big branches nearly horizontal; crown oviform. Leaves scaly, closely inserted on twigs into nodes, each node with two big leaves and two smaller opposite leaves. Female cone oval, very small, green when young, becoming violet-brown, lignified and opening into 3 fragments when mature with the middle fragment bearing 2 big winged seeds

Distribution and ecology: Recently found in Ha Tay (at Ba Vi mountain), in Lam Dong province (around Da Lat city) and in Khanh Hoa province. This species thrives well in humid climate, on yellow ferallitic soils with shallow or moderately thick, but humus-rich surface layers, occurring on close evergreen and open subtropical forests located in low or moderate high mountainous areas (over 900m asl). Good regeneration in light places, along the streams or in the edges of the forests. Seeds mature in October-December.

Uses: Wood not strong. Grains straight and texture moderately fine, resistant to termites and insects and easy to work with. Used as construction timber, for cabinet-work and for turnery. Wood is aromatic, and can be used in joss-stick making. Besides, as the tree has a beautiful crown and form, it is planted for decorative purpose. An endangered species with seriously reduced individual number and habitats, which needs strict protection in Ba Vi National Park and in Bidoup Nature Reserve.

Souce: VIETNAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast

Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast; Family Cephalotaxaceace

Souce imgine: news.cgtn.com

1. Vernacular name: Phi lược bí;

2. Morphology: A small evergreen tree, 5-l0m high and 20cm in diameter. Branchlets opposite or verticillate. Leaves persistent, arranged in two rows, linear, hard, 2- 3.5cm long and 3-4mm broad, acute at tip, sometimes truncate or cordate at base, subsessile; dark green; with a midrib somewhat conspicuous or only conspicuous at base or middle part. Male cones 5-7, clustered in a head, 6- 9mm in diameter; stalk about 4mm long, solitary and axillary. Ovuliferous cones created by some oblong ovoid scales of 5mm length, each scale contains. 2 ovules. Drupe obovoid or ovoid, solitary, rarely 2-3 at tip, 2.5-3.5 (-4)cm long and 1-1.5cm across.

3. Distribution and ecology: Found in Thailand, Laos, China and Vietnam. In Vietnam it has recently been recorded in Lam Dong province, growing in subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest, at altitudes of 950m asl and upwards. Neutral tree, shade-demanding when young, lightdemanding when grown up. Natural regeneration very poor. Suitable on many kinds of soil. Flowering in March-May, fruiting in September-October of next year.

4. Uses: Timber with straight grains, fine structure and high elasticity, rather hard, easy to work, not splitting and deforming after seasoning, resistant to termites and insects, used for high quality furniture, stationary, tool handles and fine art articles. Oil from seeds used in painting; seed also used in medicine. An endangered species of Vietnam, requiring protection in its natural habitat, especially in Bidoup and Langbian Nature Reserves.

Souce: VIETNAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more

0 Cephalotaxus mannii Hooker.f.

1. Cephalotaxus mannii Hooker.f.; Family : Cephalotaxaceae

2. Vernacular name: Đỉnh tùng

3. Morphology: A medium to large sized tree, up to 20-30m high and 0.5-1.1m in diameter. Bole straight, crown narrow; branches slender,more or less opposite and horizontal. Bark smooth, brownish red; buds ovoid, often 2. Leaves arranged into 2 rows, straight or sligthly curved at top, size of 2-4 x 0.15-0.3cm; apex mucronate, base subtruncate at young leaves and round at mature ones; two white stomatal bands beneath. Petiole 5mm.Male cones axillary, globose with 8-10 flowers, rachis scaly. Female cones, axillary, solitary or groupped in 3-5, bearing 9- 10 seed scales. Seeds ovoid, 2-3.8x1-1.5cm, cuspidate at top. Flowering on January- February; Fruiting on May-June.

Distribution and ecology: Distributed in north-east of India, Laos, northern Myanmar, northern Thailand, southern China and Vietnam. In Vietnam, it found from Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Son La, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, Hoa Binh, Ha Tay (former), Thanh hoa, Nghe An, Thua Thien- Hue to, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces. It is a moderate shade torelant tree, scatteredly growing in small groups, on 500-2000m asl. In primary closed evergreen subtropical broad-leaved forests on both limestone and silicate derivered soils. Often mixed with Nageia wallichiana, Podocarpus neriifolius and Dacrycarpus imbricatus on montane soil or with Pseudotsuga sinensis, Pinus kwantungensis, Nageia fleuryi, Fokienia hodginsii etc on limestone mountains.

Uses: Timberlargesized and straight, high quality, resistant to insect and termite. Used for quality furniture, fine crafts and tool handles. The seed has medicinal qualities and in Hainan the bark is used to treat fever. The possibility of growing this species for anti-cancer drug production should be investigated further (?). It also planted as ornamental or shade tree for its beautiful form and leaves. This species is listed in Vietnam Red Data Book as a Vulnerable species (VU). Must be protected

Souce: VIETNAM FOREST TREES 1996

Read more