Taiwan incense-cedar
Calocedrus formosana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Taiwan incense-cedar, scientifically known as Calocedrus formosana, is a rare coniferous species endemic to Taiwan's high-altitude forests. Valued for its aromatic, resinous wood, it holds traditional significance in local ethnobotany. Beyond its ecological importance, its unique chemical properties offer intriguing potential for research into various medicinal applications.
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Bark
- Common names
- Taiwan Incense-Cedar · Taiwanese Incense-Cedar
- Scientific synonyms
- Heyderia Formosana · Libocedrus Formosana · 2 more
Names
Common Names
- Taiwan Incense-Cedar
- Taiwanese incense-cedar
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Libocedrus macrolepis var. formosana
- Libocedrus formosana
- Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana
- Heyderia formosana
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Calocedrus formosanaSynonyms
- Heyderia formosana
- Libocedrus formosana
- Libocedrus macrolepis var. formosana
- Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae. Within the order Pinales, it is classified under the family Cupressaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Calocedrus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Cupressaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Calocedrus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is a specialized species found within the specific geographic boundaries of Eastern Asia. Its natural habitat is strictly limited to the island of Taiwan. Within this region, it typically thrives in high-altitude montane environments. Because of this narrow range, the species is considered an endemic treasure of the Taiwanese landscape. Consequently, its survival is closely tied to the unique ecological conditions found only in this part of the world.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Calocephrus formosana, is a species primarily recognized for its unique botanical characteristics within its habitat. Among its various anatomical structures, the bark plays a vital role in the plant's physiological processes, serving as a protective outer layer that shields the internal tissues from environmental stressors. In many medicinal studies involving similar woody species, the bark is often the specific part investigated for its potential bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bark | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Calocedrus formosana has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ferrugicadinol, ferrugieudesmol.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrugicadinol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferrugieudesmol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |