Western Larch
Larix occidentalis
Family: Pinaceae
What it is like
Very large trees. They can be 70 m high and 200 cm across the trunk. The bark is reddish-brown and scaly. It becomes thick and deeply cracked into flat, flaky ridges with age. The trunk usually does not have branches for most of its length. The leaves are flattened above and have a keel below. They are triangular in cross section. They are 3-5 cm long and shiny pale green. There are 15-30 leaves per tuft. The seed cones are 3-5 cm long and reddish-brown. They are hairy on the lower side. There are about 30 scales. The tips curve towards the base of the cone when open. The bract tip extends beyond the scale. Seed are 5 mm long. The wing is 8 mm long.
There are 10 to 14 Larix species.
Where it is found
In Canada it grows between 400-1500 m altitude. It grows on deep, well drained soils. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The gum is used in the food industry as a substitute for gum arabic. It is also chewed. It is collected from the soft layer under the bark.
Edible parts
Gum, manna
How it is grown
Seed production begins are 15-25 years and is abundant for 50 years. It can continue to 200 years. Seeds are produced in most years but are more abundant every 4-5 years. Trees can live for 400 years. A tree can produce 4 litres of liquid once or twice a year. This is then evaporated to give a thick syrup.