Momi fir, Japanese fir
Abies firma

Family: Pinaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 50 Abies species. They are mostly in north temperate regions.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. New growth is damaged by frosts. It can grow in acid soils. It can tolerate some shade. It grows in the mountains of Southern Japan. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten roasted.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds germinate in 6 weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted out while small.

Its other names

Local names

Ri ben leng shan

Synonyms

Abies bifida Siebold. & Zucc.; Abies firma var. bifida (Siebold. & Zucc.) Masters; Abies momi (Siebold.);