Larix x marschlinsii Hybrid Larch (L. decidua x kaempferi)

Larix  x marschlinsii, Hybrid Japanese Larch, is a fast growing hybrid between Larix kaempferi (Japanese Larch) and Larix decidua (European Larch). It arose naturally in the late 19th Century and was noticed in 1904. It exhibits significant hybrid vigour and is superior to both parents in terms of growth. Consequently, it has been planted widely in Britain in conifer plantations and was, until recently, the second most common conifer in West Glamorgan. However, the spread of Ramorum disease in Larch throughout Britain, caused by the Oomycete Phytophthora ramorum, has led to an ongoing, concerted effort to remove all Larch from plantations . Nevertheless, some stands remain and there are significant amounts of regenerated saplings scattered throughout the county, particularly in the Neath and Afan valleys. Larch is a deciduous conifer and even dense stands can support a diverse vascular plant and bryophyte flora including Bluebell, which is normally absent from the ground flora under other (non-deciduous) conifer stands. In well-lit situations Larch trees are often covered in lichens and bryophytes, particularly Usnea species. Despite efforts to remove it, Larch still remains in recombinant communities which develop after clearfelling and along the verges and banks of forest roads. It is difficult to distinguish between Hybrid Larch and Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi) and records of both in West Glamorgan are confused and inseparable. We have treated both taxa together in this publication. Both Japanese Larch and Hybrid Japanese Larch produce lots of female cones and abundant seed. Consequently regenerating saplings are common.

Neophyte