Abies forrestii

Abies forrestii is a species of conifer in the family Pinaceae, endemic to China. It is named after the Scottish botanist and plant-hunter George Forrest (1873–1932), who discovered it for western science in Yunnan province. Its common names include Forrest's fir.[1]

Abies forrestii
var. georgei
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Pinales
Family:	Pinaceae
Genus:	Abies
Species:	A. forrestii
Binomial name
Abies forrestii Coltm.-Rog.
Synonyms
Abies chengii Rushforth

This species is variable in morphology, and there are several varieties. Some of these are treated as separate species.[1] In general, it grows up to about 20 meters tall. The needles are 1.5 to 4 centimeters long and the purplish, brown, or black cones are 7 to 12 centimeters long.[2]

Varieties include:[1]

• A. forrestii var. ferreana (syn. Abies chayuensis)
• A. forrestii var. forrestii (syn. Abies chengii)
• A. forrestii var. georgei – George's fir
• A. forrestii var. smithii

This species grows in the mountains of southwestern China, sometimes at high altitudes. At lower elevations it grows in mixed forests with species such as Picea likiangensis, Larix potaninii, Tsuga dumosa, and Betula albosinensis. It is sometimes a dominant member of the canopy in rhododendron woodlands.[1]

This tree is used for construction wood and pulp.[1]