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Scientific name:	Chamaecyparis formosensis (Matsum)
Common name:	Bo Pi Zi (Mandarin pronunciation)

Features:

Chamaecyparis formosensis are large evergreen trees with cylindrical trunks, sparse branches, and thin, reddish-brown bark that is slightly fissured. Their small leaves-which are like tiny fish scales paired opposite to one another-are thin, small, pointy, and prickly; are closely attached to depressed twigs on the tree; have no white wax beneath them; and turn reddish-brown in the winter. The cones of the Chamaecyparis formosensis are ovate in shape. Old trees grow to become so tall and erect that they are called "the embodiment of the divine tree spirit." Their longevity is attributable to a special resin (phytoncide) given off by the tree that prevents the growth of bacteria on its bark, as well as the tree's inherent ability to withstand erosion. Thus, many of the Chamaecyparis formosensis found in alpine virgin forests are up to a thousand years old.

Habitat:

Chamaecyparis formosensis are endemic to Taiwan and only seen on high mountains. They are one of the most important tree species used in the afforestation of broad-leaved coniferous forest belts and are distributed primarily in mountainous areas at 1500-2150m elevations. Chamaecyparis formosensis and Chamaecyparis obtusa sieb. & zucc. var. formosana (Hayata) Rehder are the two major tree species comprising Taiwan's Chamaecyparis forest belts. The tree has great economic value.