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Scientific name: Abies x umbellata (H.Mayr) E.H.Wilson 1916
Synonyms: Abies brachyphylla var. umbellata (Mayr) Dallim. & A.B.Jacks., Abies homolepis subsp. umbellata (Mayr) Silba, Abies homolepis var. umbellata (Mayr) E.H.Wilson, Abies homolepis f. umbilicata(Mayr) Schelle, Abies umbellata Mayr, Abies umbilicata Mayr, Pinus umbilicata (Mayr) Voss
Common names: Mitsumine fir, Mitsumine-momi (Japanese)
Description
Tree to 25 (-35) m tall, with trunk to 1.5 m in diameter. More similar to Nikko fir (Abies homolepis) in appearance than to Momi fir (Abies firma), but the few differences from the former parent tend toward the latter one. Most notable differences from Nikko fir lie in the seed cones, which are broader in the hybrid (4-5 cm across), green rather than purple, and with longer bracts that just stick out between the seed scales, especially toward the base of the cone. Needles have more lines of stomates (13-15) in each stomatal band. Some hairs in the deep grooves on the twigs might be expected in their first season but are generally not found. Seed cones 10-14 cm long, 4-5 cm wide, greenish; apex more or less umbilicate. However, even as long ago as the early 1900s it was suggested that Abies umbellata was a naturally occurring hybrid of the Nikko and Momi firs (Elwes & Henry 1906–1913), and other authors have continued to support this theory (e.g. Liu 1971, Rushforth 1987). The question may finally have been resolved by recent molecular research that shows such plants represent a sporadic, naturally occurring hybrid of the Nikko and Momi Firs (Aizawa & Iwaizumi 2020).
Mount Mitsumine and other peaks of central Honshū (Japan). Growing with Abies homolepis in the vicinity of Abies firma; (700-)1,000-1,800(-2,000) m. The climate is cool and humid.
Conservation Status
Red List Category & Criteria: Data Deficient
Doubts about the taxonomic status of this taxon require an assessment of Data Deficient. There is no information on population size or trends. Near the tree limit it forms either pure stands, or mixtures with Abies veitchii and/or Larix kaempferi, but at lower elevations it occurs in the mixed coniferous deciduous forests, with e.g. Fagus crenata, Quercus crispula, Betula grossa, Tsuga diversifolia, Thuja standishii, Pinus densiflora. Abies firma replaces Abies homolepis below 1,100 m. However, Japanese Deer are a serious problem, reducing regeneration and sometimes killing larger trees through ring-barking.
There is no special protection system for this variety. However, most localities are now at least protected from loggin.
References
Copyright © Aljos Farjon, James E. Eckenwalder, IUCN, Conifers Garden. All rights reserved.
