Pseudolarix is a monotypic genus in the family Pinaceae. The sole species, Pseudolarix amabilis is commonly known as Golden Larch, though it is not a true larch (Larix), being more closely related to Keteleeria, Abies and Cedrus. It is native to eastern China, occurring in small areas in the mountains of southern Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei and eastern Sichuan, at altitudes of 100-1500 m. Golden Larch is sometimes known under an old scientific name Pseudolarix kaempferi, but this may cause confusion with Larix kaempferi, the Japanese Larch.

Close-up of leaves

The cones are distinctive, superficially resembling a small globe artichoke, 4-7 cm long and 4-6 cm broad, with pointed triangular scales; they mature about 7 months after pollination, when (like fir and cedar cones) they disintegrate to release the winged seeds. The male cones, as in Keteleeria, are produced in umbels of several together in one bud.

Uses

Golden Larch is a very attractive ornamental tree for parks and large gardens. Unlike the larches, it is very tolerant of summer heat and humidity, growing very successfully in the southeastern United States where most larches and firs do not succeed. In Europe growth is most successful in the Mediterranean region with notable specimens in northern Italy; further north in Britain it will grow, but only very slowly due to the cooler summers there.

Medicinal use

Bonsai example.

Golden Larch is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Chinese herbology, where it is called j?n qián s?ng (???).

See also

• Chinese herbology 50 fundamental herbs

References and external links

• Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as data deficient
• Arboretum de Villardebelle - photos of cones
• Gymnosperm Database
• ''Pseudolarix'' in the ''Flora of China''

de:Goldlärche es:Pseudolarix fr:Pseudolarix amabilis it:Pseudolarix amabilis nl:Japanse goudlarix no:Gull-lerk pl:Modrzewnik pt:Pseudolarix