Abies koreana Korean Fir

A relatively small fir tree which, in its native range, is confined to the summits of the highest mountains in South Korea. It does not occur wild in West Glamorgan but it is a popular tree that is frequently found in parks and botanic gardens. The silvery stomatal bands on the underside of the needles are particularly attractive and contrast with the dark green upper surface. Like all true firs it produces large cones that stand upright on the upper branches of the tree. Unless they break off the tree prematurely, e.g. as a result of damage, the cones eventually fragment on the tree to release the seeds and are rarely found on the ground like pine or spruce cones. In West Glamogan it occurs as a planted ornamental tree and is not found naturalised here.