Calocedrus rupestris
| Calocedrus rupestris | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Calocedrus |
| Species: | Calocedrus rupestris |
| Binomial name | |
| Calocedrus rupestris Aver., T.H.Nguyên & P.K.Lôc | |
Calocedrus rupestris is a species of incense cedar[1] recently discovered in highly eroded rocky limestone mountains in northern Vietnam and first described in 2004.[2]
Calocedrus rupestris is a medium-sized tree growing up to about 25 m tall, with a trunk up to 1.2 m diameter. Many of the specimens observed in the wild were estimated to be some 600-800 years old, on the basis of preliminary year-ring observations.[2]
It occurs together with other lime-adapted species in highly endemic relict coniferous forest. However, the ecological region extends into Laos and China, so that the range of Calocedrus rupestris might extend beyond Vietnamese borders. However, such limestone-based coniferous forests are both vulnerable and threatened, and although a reserve has been established, their future is not assured.[2]