Abies homolepis Nikko Fir

A conifer that is endemic to Japan where it occurs in large stands and forms an important component of the biodiverse, temperate montane forests of central Honshu. However, it is endangered in its native range where populations have declined as a result of clearance and replacement of natural forests with plantations and also as a result of overgrazing by Sika Deer. Nikko Fir irself is of little value as a timber tree but its biodiversity value is enormous. It does well in cultivation and is a popular ornamental tree in Japan and in Europe. It occurs only as a planted ornamental tree in West Glamorgan and does not occur as a naturalised species.