Formosan fir

Abies kawakamii (Hayata) Ito

Abies kawakamii, known as Formosan fir, is a conifer species in the family Pinaceae. It is native to Taiwan and was first described in 1908 by Bunzō Hayata as a variety of Abies mariesii, later elevated to species status by Tokutarô Itô in 1909. This fir is found in the northern and central regions of Taiwan at elevations between 2400 and 3800 meters, growing alongside other temperate conifers such as Juniperus formosana var. formosana, Tsuga formosana, and Juniperus morrisonicola.

Description

Abies kawakamii is a high-mountain conifer endemic to the island of Taiwan. It is one of the southernmost true fir species and is adapted to high-altitude environments. The species occurs in association with other temperate conifers and is part of the diverse flora of the region. Its distribution is limited to elevations between 2400 and 3800 meters in northern and central Taiwan.