Tsuga forrestii

Botanical Description

Tsuga forrestii is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown; it usually grows up to 30 metres tall, but can reach 50 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 160cm in diameter[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 329 Title The Gymnosperm Database Publication Author Website http://www.conifers.org/index.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A vast amount of information on conifers and families of gymnosperms. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild on a commercial basis as a source of lumber. It also provides a range of other materials. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Although there is no direct information available, it seems reasonable given what has happened in this part of China to suspect a 30-49% population reduction in the past three generations (60-75 years) as a result of direct exploitation of the species for its wood and also because of general forest clearance for timber and expanding agriculture. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].