Abies firma (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to moderate shade
Flowering period:
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 6a – 9a
Family: Pinaceae
Abies firma is an evergreen tree with a broad conical crown . Its bright green leaves are in the form of needles, are flattened, up to 5cm long and 4mm broad. Its branches are straight and slightly ascending. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 2m. Its grey/ brown bark is scaly. Its monoecious flowers are wind pollinated. Its fruit are in the form of cones, are up to 15cm long, 5cm broad, initially green, maturing to a yellow/ brown.
Abies firma, commonly known as Moni Fir or Japanese Fir, is native to southern Japan.
Abies firma Leaf (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Abies is derived from the Latin name for the fir tree. Firma is from the Latin meaning ‘stable’.
The landscape architect may find Abies firma useful as an unusual specimen tree. It will tolerate high summer heat and humidity. It is not tolerant of atmospheric pollution.
Ecologically, Abies firma seed is attractive to some birds and mammals.
Abies firma bark (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Abies firma prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acidic pH of soil. It is tolerant of poor draining soils.
Abies firma requires little maintenance.
