Chinese Thuja

Resistant to air pollution, but not to logging

This robust, slow growing conifer can reach a maximum height of 16 m. When young the conifer is compact but becomes wider and less compact with age. The trunk is red-brown which peels in narrow strips. In China the wood has been used for centuries to build houses and temples. Its wide distribution and its cultivation  are based on the use of its leaves - they produce an incense-like aroma when burnt similar to that of Thuja. This species was originally placed in the Thuja genus.

Platycladus orientalis is probably the most planted conifer in Asia. It can often be found near oriental monasteries and temples. In southwest China it frequently occurs on steep river valley slopes. It is also used in reforestation. Today this species can often be found in parks and gardens in temperate regions of Asia. It can tolerate drought and withstand the level of air pollution found in Chinese cities. Platycladus orientalis has also been popular in Europe since its introduction in 1737.

Ecology and habitat

Platycladus orientalis is probably a species originating from open woodland in the region between the Mongolian steppe and the deciduous woodlands of northeast China, Siberia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is sensitive to strong winds but can tolerate, if sheltered, salty air and withstand cold winters. Across its natural distribution this species still grows in disturbed ancient woodland and particularly in secondary forests. It is a successful pioneer on relatively dry, open and unstable slopes where it can dominate quite extensively.

Threat

Platycladus orientalis has suffered through the over exploitation of large individuals in old woods. There is too much uncertainty about its natural distribution and the size of the original populations to say precisely how this species is coping.