Information about Abies holophylla

Abies holophylla, also known as the Manchurian fir or needle fir, is a species of coniferous tree native to Northeast Asia, specifically found in China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia. Here are some key information about Abies holophylla:

• Appearance: Abies holophylla is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 40-60 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth when young, and rough when mature. The leaves are needle-shaped, dark green, glossy, and arranged spirally on the branches. The cones are cylindrical, upright, and 10-20 cm long, with slightly curved or straight scales.
• Habitat and distribution: Abies holophylla is a cold-hardy species that typically grows in temperate and boreal forests, especially on moist, well-drained, and acidic soils. It prefers cool and humid climates with an annual precipitation of 800-1,500 mm and a temperature range of -40 to 20°C. It occurs at elevations of 200-2,000 meters above sea level and forms pure or mixed stands with other conifers, such as Picea, Larix, and Pinus.
• Ecological and economic importance: Abies holophylla is a valuable timber species that is used for construction, furniture, paper pulp, and Christmas trees. It also provides habitat and food for various wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and deer. Moreover, it has been shown to have a positive effect on soil fertility and carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems, making it important for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

• Threats and conservation status: Abies holophylla is facing multiple threats, including habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and invasive species. It is also vulnerable to pests and diseases, such as bark beetles, woolly adelgids, and fungal pathogens. As a result, the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and is protected by national and international laws and agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Conservation measures include habitat restoration, sustainable forest management, genetic diversity conservation, and monitoring of population trends and threats.