Bristlecone Hemlock

Bristlecone Hemlock Facts

• This masterpiece of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the deceptive common name of the Bristlecone Hemlock. For the moment, the remarkable creation of Nature has no other broadly accepted general name. Though that’s not unknown, it’s still uncommon.
• Among scientific professionals, though, the amazing plant remains much better known by its official title. That’s a somewhat hard to pronounce term for the layman, however. That’s because it bears the extremely cumbersome technical name of the Nothotsuga longibracteta.
• It received that name due to the efforts of two noted researchers. They were Hu Xiansu and Christopher Nigel Page. They achieved the first formal acknowledgement of the plant as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy deed occurred in 1989.
• Regardless of which term one chooses to use when referring to it, the flora remains an impressive species. The botanical wonder also stands out from the great majority of similar plants. That’s due to the fact that it currently represents the only known member of its genus.
• Sadly, the fabulous Bristlecone Hemlock appears to be steadily declining in numbers. This unfortunate situation further seems to hold true throughout its native range. The IUCN therefore presently lists this floral marvel as Near Threatened on its published Red List.
• Given its present situation, it understandably faces various threats to its continued existence as a species. The most pressing one for the moment continues to come from ongoing deforestation. The ever-increasing effects of climate change, however, also now pose a danger.

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Bristlecone Hemlock Physical Description

The remarkable Bristlecone Hemlock reamains a variety of tree that captivates many lucky enough to encounter it. It also does so due to more than just one reason. Yes, it’s a visually appealing product of Nature, to be certain. Yet the species also attains a fully respectable physical size.

Individuals specimens of this marvel reach a maximum known height of roughly 98.4 ft (30 m). The trunk itself generally tends to grow relatively straight in most cases. The distinctive bark covering this part of the tree manifests a dark brown in color. It also displays deep longitudinal fissures.

Extending out from this, the branches develop as comparatively thin in nature. These particular features also develop in varying shades of brownish yellow or reddish brown, but only when young. As the individual ages, though, this usually changes to shades of brownish gray or dark brown.

The foliage of the remarkaable Bristlecone Hemlock also merits a measure of attention. These evolved as evergreen in nature. Their flat, rather needle-like structure averages 0.5 – 1.5 in (1.2 – 4 cm) in length. The diameter of these leaves additionally only ranges from 0.04 – 0.08 in (1 – 2 mm).

Nonetheless, it’s the seed cones of the tree that likely garner the most attention, however. These average just 1 -2 in (2.5 – 5 cm) in length. Despite their size, though, they display a visually striking tendency. That’s because they typically develop as vertical and erect in relation to the branch.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Pinophyta
• Class: Pinopsida
• Order: Pinales
• Family: Pinaceae
• Genus: Nothotsuga
• Species: N. longibracteta

Bristlecone Hemlock Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Though comparatively limited, the zone of habitation of the amazing Bristlecone Hemlock isn’t surprising. That’s due to the fact that the plant evolved as native to a region of the globe renowned for its natural splendor. It’s currently unknown if the evergreen ever appeared beyond this range.

It’s presently found only in a very small portion of the continent of Asia. That setting happens to place the tree within the boundaries of the country of China. Even there, though, it only appears in a few select regions. Those are the four provinces of Hunan, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Fujian.

Further complicating its situation stands the fact that it also evolved specific habitat requirements. Part of this is its need for relatively acidic soil. The species also requires a cool, humid, and temperate climate, with abundant rainfall. The same native locale also features frequent, dense fog.

The marvel of Nature and evolution also makes its home on low or moderately high mountains in this range. The species, however, thrives well at a respectable range of altitudes. Due to this high degreeof flexibility, concentrations appear at altitudes ranging from 984 – 6,234 ft (300 – 1,900 m).

The fascinating Bristlecone Hemlock achieves pollination through the actions of a wide range of local insect species. Seed cones develop, and present as red or purplish at first. As these mature, they change to a dark brown shade. Pollination occurs between the months of March to April.

Intriguingly, these specially evolved structures typically persist on each individual tree for several years. When fully mature, these cones spread the seeds within them in one of two very different ways. Some break off from the tree entirely whole, while others disintegrate completely on the tree.

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