Flaky Fir
Abies squamata Mast.
Abies squamata, commonly known as Flaky Fir, is a conifer species in the Pinaceae family. It is native to the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau and western Sichuan in China, growing at elevations between 3200 and 4400 meters, with exceptional occurrences up to 4700 meters, representing the highest known tree line in the world. This species is typically found on north-facing slopes and often coexists with Balfour's spruce.
Description
Abies squamata is a high-altitude fir species that thrives in the mountainous regions of China, particularly in the Tibetan Plateau and Sichuan. Its distribution is limited to areas with specific climatic conditions suitable for coniferous trees at extreme elevations. The species is notable for its presence at the tree line, where it reaches the upper limit of tree growth globally. It is a significant component of the high-altitude forest ecosystems in its native range.
Other common names
Flaky Fir
Distribution
Global · China North-Central · China South-Central · Qinghai · Tibet