Abies squamata

Abies squamata, commonly known as the flaky fir or scaly-barked fir, is an evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, order Pinales. It is endemic to southwestern China, found primarily in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet, where it grows in subalpine coniferous forests at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 metres. The species is readily distinguished from other firs by its striking bark, which exfoliates in thin, papery, reddish-brown to purplish scales, a feature reflected in its specific epithet meaning scaly. This scaly bark texture is one of the most distinctive characteristics within the genus Abies. The tree typically attains heights of 20 to 40 metres, forming a conical to columnar crown. Needles are flat, 1.5 to 3 centimetres long, dark green and glossy above, with two grey-white stomatal bands beneath. Like all firs, the cones are erect, cylindrical to ovoid-cylindrical, 6 to 9 centimetres long, and mature from dark purple to brown, disintegrating at maturity to release winged seeds. Abies squamata grows in high-altitude forests alongside other conifers such as spruces and larches. It is adapted to cold, relatively dry continental climates. The distinctive bark makes it prized as an ornamental tree in botanical gardens. As an endemic species with a restricted range, it faces conservation concerns from habitat loss and climate change affecting alpine ecosystems in China.