Abies veitchii

Abies veitchii, known as Veitch's fir or Shirabe fir, is an evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, order Pinales, named in honour of the Veitch nursery that introduced it to Western horticulture. The species is native to the montane and subalpine forests of Honshu and Shikoku in Japan, where it grows at elevations between 1,500 and 2,900 metres, frequently forming extensive stands near the timberline. Mature trees typically reach 15 to 25 metres in height, with a straight trunk and narrowly conical to spire-like crown. The bark is smooth and pale grey on young trees, developing shallow furrows with age. Needles are flat, 1.5 to 2.5 centimetres long, and arranged in two ranks along the branches; they are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and strikingly white below due to broad stomatal bands, giving the underside of foliage a silvery appearance. Cones are erect, cylindrical, 5 to 7 centimetres long, and purplish-blue when young, maturing to brown as they disintegrate at maturity. Abies veitchii is an important component of the Japanese subalpine zone, growing alongside Larix, Betula, and other high-altitude species. It is well adapted to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. The species is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate gardens worldwide and has been used in breeding programmes for ornamental and forestry purposes. Its timber is used locally for pulpwood and light construction.