Abies recurvata, known as Min Fir, is a conifer species in the family Pinaceae. It is native to China, specifically found in Sichuan and Gansu provinces at elevations between 2300 and 3600 m. This fir is characterized by its recurved or reflexed needles and is typically found on windy cliffs, in deep river valleys, or on dry, exposed mountain slopes. It is associated with several juniper and spruce species. The tree can grow up to 80 m tall with a trunk diameter of 0.8 m, and has a conical crown. Its bark is initially smooth and gray or rusty brown, later becoming grayish-brown and shedding in thick plates. The needles are 1.2–2.5 cm long, with two light grayish-green stomatal bands on the underside. The cones are 4–8 cm long, ovoid or cylindrical-ovoid, with bracts shorter than the cone-scales.
Description
Abies recurvata is a fir species native to central China, specifically in the provinces of Sichuan and Gansu. It thrives in high elevations, between 2300 and 3600 m, in drier and colder environments such as windy cliffs, deep river valleys, and exposed mountain slopes. The species is distinguished by its needles, which are mostly recurved or reflexed, especially on the leaders. It is often associated with conifer species like Juniperus convallium, Juniperus formosana var. mairei, Juniperus squamata var. fargesii, Juniperus tibetica, Picea asperata, and Picea wilsonii. Abies recurvata can grow into a large tree, reaching up to 80 m in height with a trunk diameter of 0.8 m, and has a conical crown. The bark is initially smooth and gray or rusty brown, later becoming grayish-brown and shedding in thick plates. The branchlets are grayish-white or light yellow, with needles 1.2–2.5 cm long. The cones are 4–8 cm long, ovoid or cylindrical-ovoid, with bracts that are shorter than the cone-scales.
Other common names
Min Fir
Distribution
Global · China North-Central · China South-Central
