| Latin Name: | Abies squamata |
| Common Name: | Flaky fir |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: Mast.
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| Habit: A Slow Growing Evergreen Tree |
| Habitat: Forms forests in very dry regions of China at altitudes of 3600 - 4600 metres[109]. |
| Height: 30.0 Width: |
Cultivation Details:
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[81]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[1]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[200]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[200].
This species is closely related to A. delavayi[11].
A slow growing tree, but it succeeds in all parts of Britain[185]. It grows best in the Perthshire valleys of Scotland[11].
Very cold tolerant, but it can be excited into premature growth in the mild winters of Britain and this young growth is susceptible to damage by late frosts[1].
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[200].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[200]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[200].
This species is said to be found at the highest altitude of any tree in the world[200].
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - Sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March[78]. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks[78]. 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[78] whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position[80]. 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[80, 113]. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored[113].
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