This species is better known as Fokienia hodginsii, and is treated as such in many fairly modern works. However, recent works by Rushforth (Notes on the Cupressaceae in Vietnam. Tap Chí Sinh Hoc 29(3):32-39. 2007) and Mao et al (New Phytologist 188(1): 254-272. 2010), place it very firmly within Chamaecyparis[].

Common Name:

General Information

Chamaecyparis hodginsii is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown; it can grow 25 - 35 metres tall. The straight bole can be up to 200cm in diameter[].
The tree is often gathered from the wild for its timber and essential oil. An aromatic wood that is highly valued, it is often traded.
Large-scale logging has resulted in the species disappearing or becoming scarce in parts of its range, notably in northern Viet Nam and southern China. It has been classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Vietnam, northern Laos.

Habitat

Forests on granite or limestone mountains, forming pure stands or mixed with Dacrydium elatum, Pinus dalatensis and other broad-leaved tree species of the families Fagaceae, Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae, at elevations above 900 metres in Vietnam[]..

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant is well adapted to mild climates with abundant rainfall, occurring naturally on humid soils in high mountain areas, slopes or flats[].
A shade intolerant species[].
Natural regeneration is fire-dependant[]. Good natural regeneration occurs in open areas, such as along streams; at forest edges; and in clearings in young forests[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An essential oil obtained from the wood is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

Distillation, especially of the root wood, gives an essential oil[]. Known as 'fokienia oil', it is used for cosmetics, perfumery and in the preparation of medicines[, ].

The dark brown wood is light in weight, fine and straight grained; resinous and aromatic; durable and easy to work[, ]. It is used for coffins, furniture, art articles and is traditionally split and used for roofing and wall partitioning[, ].
The wood is used to produce charcoal of a high heat value[].

Propagation

Seed -

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