Tree Trail

35. Abies Squamata

Known as the Flaky Fir, it is native to China and Tibet. It can grow to 40 metres (120 feet) tall. Direct exploitation for timber has led to a decline in the population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated this species as “vulnerable”. This specimen was part of a consignment of trees received from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) as part of the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP). Heriot-Watt University struck a relationship with the RBGE to help with conservation work and it allows us to obtain rare trees to add to the wide variety of species already on campus.