CHINA FIR

(Cunninghamia lanceolata), coniferous evergreen timber tree of the deciduous cypress family (Taxodiaceae), native to East Asia. The China fir may grow to a height of 50 m (160 feet), with a circumference of about 5.5 m (18 feet); it is covered with fragrant, reddish brown bark that is shed in long strips. The spreading branches, drooping at the ends, bear flattened, lance-shaped leaves about 6 cm (2 inches) long and 6 mm (0.2 inch) wide. The rounded cones, up to 5 cm long, have thick, spiny-tipped scales, with three seeds on each scale.