Abies delavayi var. nukiangensis (W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu) Farjon & Silba
Mainly found in the remote mountain ranges of southwestern China and northeast Myanmar where logging has had some impact. It is listed as Near Threatened.
Description
This variety is distinguished from the typical forn by its longer (but variable: 1.2-4.3 cm) and broader (1.5-2.8 mm) leaves, which are less revolute. The shoot is purplish-brown and glabrous. The cone is purplish-blue and has the same apically thickened, obtriangular-flabellate seed scales, but included bract scales with a short cusp, which may be barely visible in the lower part of the mature cone (Farjon 1990)
Distribution
Recorded from the Nukiang River area in the northwestern Yunnan province, and Yongde shan, Wu Mu Long township, China. In Myanmar, it is known from Kachin state, Tama Bum
Habitat and Ecology
Occurs on high montane settings (2950-3300 m) and isolated peaks (such as Tama Bum in Myanmar) where it is the dominant species, occurring with Sorbus species, Acer, Rhododendron and similar woody temperate trees/shrubs including bamboo.
Human Uses
Timber used locally. In Myanmar, an infusion of the leaves is used as a cure fore headaches
Conservation Status
Global Status and Rationale
Near Threatened (VU B1ab(iii))
The extent of occurrence is estimated to be about 20,000 km² and although there are more than 10 locations known, the subpopulations are severely fragmented. There has been an estimated decline of between 20 and 50% over the last three generations. It is uncertain if there is a continuing decline in the main part of its range in China as logging has been banned in most mountainous areas. The situation in Myanmar is unclear but continuing decline due to ongoing logging is suspected. Due to the uncertainties of the extent of the past decline, and the situation in Myanmar it is assessed as Near Threatened.
Global Threats
Logging is the most serious threat.
Conservation Actions
The Government of China has recently imposed a logging ban in western China
References and further reading
Farjon, Aljos. (1990). Pinaceae: drawings and descriptions of the genera Abies, Cedrus, Pseudolarix, Keteleeria, Nothotsuga, Tsuga, Cathaya, Pseudotsuga, Larix and Picea. Königstein: Koeltz Scientific Books.
Rushforth, K., Xiang, Q. & Carter, G. (2011). Abies delavayi var. nukiangensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T191555A8844839. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T191555A8844839.en. Downloaded on 01 December 2016
