Taiwania cryptomerioides seed
LATIN NAME: TAIWANIA CRYPTOMERIOIDES
COMMON NAME: Taiwania
The taiwania looms the tall, columnar trunk with the short, spreading branches and the small, scale-like leaves that taper to the fine points, the whole tree carrying the ancient, monumental look of the great conifers of the East. The foliage hangs in the soft, ferny sprays, the bark peels in the fibrous, reddish-brown strips, and the tree grows into one of the tallest of the eastern conifers. The small cones hold the winged seeds, and the tree stands the cool, moist climate well. It likes the sun, the shelter, and the deep, moist, well-drained soil.
Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology
The taiwania stands among the giant conifers of the East, and the ancient lineage has a recognised place in the studies of the conifer conservation and the mountain forests of Taiwan. The research covers the seed biology, the slow growth of the great tree and the health of the remnant stands, while the foresters measure the fine, light timber. The conservationists watch the tall forests with care, and the collectors of the rare, monumental conifers keep the species in their catalogues.
Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications
In the cool garden, the taiwania carries the mountain forest into the landscape. The columnar trunk and the soft, ferny sprays give the rare, ancient presence, the fine, light timber has served the construction and the joinery for the ages, and the tree stands as one of the great trees of the East. It thrives in the deep, moist, sheltered ground and rewards the patient grower with the slow, majestic rise. Towering, historic and patient.
The taiwania seeds germinate in a fine, gritty loam kept moist in the bright, cool spot. The seedlings rise with the soft, scale-like leaves, and they grow on steadily. Keep them in the sheltered place with the good drainage, and give them the deep, moist, well-drained ground in the cool climate. They transplant well when young, and they settle into the slow, majestic growth. The columnar trunk comes with the years.
To grow the taiwania from seed, sow the tiny, winged seeds evenly into the deep tray of fine, gritty loam, then cover them lightly, keep the tray in the bright, cool spot and water gently. The seedlings emerge within a few weeks, and they grow on steadily. Stand the young trees in the sheltered, moist ground, and the columnar trunk will loom over the years.
The wood is soft, but durable and attractively spicy scented, and was in very high demand in the past, particularly for temple building and coffins. The rarity of the tree and its slow growth in plantations means legal supplies are now very scarce.