Pinus dalatensis Ferré
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Pinus dalatensis Ferré; Photo threatenedconifers.rbge.org.uk and conifersociety.org |
Latin name:
Vernacular names:
Thông đà Lạt, Thông năm lá
Family:
Pinaceae
Morphology:
A big evergreen tree, up to 15-25cm (sometimes to 45m) in height, with diameter of 60-100cm (or more). On young trees, bark has longitudinal fissures and is resinous. Crown conical, somewhat open. Needles in fascicles of 5 in sheaths, that is shed when the needles are still green. Cones unisexual, on some stalks. Female cone has 20-30 yellowish brown scales, when mature, scales become dark grey. Seeds ovate, brown, with wing on the tip.
Distribution and ecology:
An endemic tree species to Vietnam,
found only in Ngoc Linh mountain (Kon Tum province) and in Chu Jang Sin (Lam Dong and Dac Lac provinces). Growing in dense, moist, evergreen subtropical forests, on yellow ferallitic soils or dark gley soils of shallow depths, above the altitude of more than 1,500m asl.. Often mixed with Ducampopinus krempfii, Pinus keisya, Dacrydium pierrei and Fokienia hodginsii. The seedlings are found at the edge of the forests and along the streams. Cones begin to mature in February and March and reach maturity in October-December.
Uses:
The wood is soft, light and slightly resinous with good physical and mechanical properties and can be used as Pinus kesiya. It can also be grown in parks and along streets of towns at high altitude. This is an endangered tree species, growing sparsely and regenerating only with much difficulty. The number of individuals is low and is continuously being reduced, its distribution becoming more and more confined to small isolated areas as its habitats are being destroyed. Strict protection is needed to preserve this valuable species.
Souce: VIET NAM FOREST TREES 1996
