Chinese Fir

Spiny tree with brown decoration

Whilst this tree species bears long pointed needles and resembles a fir, it actually belongs to the cypress family in which most species have scales, small needles or short shoots. In the wild this tree is found in China and Vietnam where its wood is in great demand due to its durability and characteristic smell. The Chinese fir does not lose needles but whole shoots. As these brown twigs are shed, they fall and become caught in the tree. This species forms cones with seeds whilst the male inflorescences remain visible for a long time on the same tree.