Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii, Trudy Bot. Muz. Rossiisk. Akad. Nauk 18: 41 (1920))

Family: Pinaceae

Author: (Rupr.) Kuzen.

Bibliography: Trudy Bot. Muz. Rossiisk. Akad. Nauk 18: 41 (1920)

Year: 1920

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Larix

Vegetable: False

Observations: Siberia to Kamchatka and China

Description

The Dahurian larch, scientifically known as Larix gmelinii, is a remarkable conifer that belongs to the Pinaceae family. This resilient tree is indigenous to a vast region spanning Siberia to Kamchatka and into parts of China, embodying the hardiness required to thrive in some of the harshest climates on Earth.

First described formally in Trudy Botanicheskogo Muzeya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk in 1920 by (Rupr.) Kuzen., Larix gmelinii showcases the extraordinary adaptability of the larch species. In these extreme environments, the Dahurian larch stands out not only for its environmental tolerance but also for its ecological significance.

The Dahurian larch’s needles are a vibrant green during the growing season and provide a rich splash of color until they turn golden yellow in the fall. This deciduous habit is uncommon among conifers and plays a crucial role in its survival strategy, as shedding leaves reduces water loss during the cold, dry winters.

Morphologically, the Dahurian larch bears resemblance to its relatives in the genus Larix, featuring sturdy, upright growth and distinctive needle-like leaves that grow in clusters. The cones are small but significant, sustaining the reproductive cycle of this remarkable plant.

This species is not just an ecological marvel but also holds economic value. Its wood is prized for its durability and resistance to decay, making it an important resource for timber in its native regions.

In conclusion, the Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of plant life in coping with and adapting to some of the planet’s most challenging environments. Its presence from Siberia to Kamchatka and China marks it as a key species within its ecosystems, playing pivotal roles both ecologically and economically.

Common Names

Nld: aziatische lork
Eng: dahurian larch
Hun: dauriai vörösfenyo
Nor: mongollerk
Dan: østsibirisk lærk
Rus: лиственница гмелина (listvennica gmelina), listvennitsa daurkaya
Zho: 落叶松 (luoye song), luoye song
Swe: dahurlärk, mandschurisk lärk
Jpn: gui-natsu
En: Dahurian larch
Ar: أرزية غملينية
Be: Лістоўніца Гмеліна
Bg: Гмелинова лиственица
Ca: Làrix de Gmelin
Zh: 落叶松, 落叶松 (luoye song), Luoye Song
Cs: Modřín dahurský
Da: Dahurisk lærk, Østsibirisk lærk
Nl: Aziatische lariks, Aziatische lork
Eo: Daura lariko
Et: Dauuria lehis
Fi: Dahurianlehtikuusi
Fr: Mélèze de Dahurie
De: Dahurische Lärche
Hu: Dauriai vörösfenyő, Dauriai vörösfenyo
Is: Dáríulerki
Ja: Gui-natsu
Kv: Гмелин лисвень
Lt: Daūrinis maumedis
No: Mongollerk
Fa: سیاه‌کاج داهوری
Pl: Modrzew dahurski
Ru: Лиственница Гмелина, Лиственница Гмелина (listvennica Gmelina), Listvennitsa daurkaya
Sv: Dahurlärk, Mandschurisk lärk
Zh-hant: 落葉松
Uk: Модрина даурська

Synonyms

• Abies gmelinii (Rupr.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2686170)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77092562-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen.)

Specifications

Growth