Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana

Chamaecyparis obtusa formosana

Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana, commonly known as Taiwan Hinoki, is a precious evergreen conifer highly valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its aromatic, antimicrobial essential oils, it is utilized to support respiratory health, soothe skin conditions, and promote relaxation through its unique, therapeutic woody essence and calming properties.

  • Scientific name: Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana
  • Family: Cupressaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae, it is categorized under the order Pinales and the family Cupressaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Chamaecyparis as the variety formosana.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Cupressaceae WCVP
Genus Chamaecyparis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosanana, is recognized by several different common names depending on the language and regional usage. In English, it is referred to as Chamaecyparis obtusa formosanana, while in Chinese, it is known by several names including 台湾扁柏, 松罗, 黄桧, and 厚壳.
Language Common Name Source
zh 台湾扁柏 Wikidata
en Chamaecyparis obtusa formosana Wikidata
zh 松罗 Wikidata
zh 黄桧 Wikidata
zh 厚壳 Wikidata
zh 扁柏 Wikidata
zh 松梧 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is specifically native to the Eastern Asian region. Within this part of the world, its range is restricted to the island of Taiwan. This narrow geographical distribution indicates that the variety is endemic to this particular location. Consequently, the plant thrives under the unique environmental conditions found only in Taiwanese habitats. Understanding this specific placement is essential for studying its natural ecology.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosanosa, offers various components that are utilized for their medicinal and aromatic properties. The scale-like leaf is highly valued for its essential oils, which are often extracted to provide calming and antiseptic effects in traditional applications. Additionally, the dense, aromatic heartwood is prized not only for its durability in woodworking but also for its therapeutic potential, as it contains concentrated compounds used to support wellness and provide soothing qualities.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
heartwood 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 11,14-dihydroxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one, 15-hydroxy-alpha-cadinol, T-cadinol, T-muurolol, alpha-cadinol.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
11,14-dihydroxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
15-hydroxy-alpha-cadinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
T-cadinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
T-muurolol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-cadinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
delta-cadinol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epi-cubenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obtuanhydride 1 ★☆☆☆☆