A widespreading tree to about 20 m tall. Branches horizontal, producing a habit like that of the Cedar of Lebanon. Bark soft and slightly corky. Leaves generally longer and more spiny when young; mature leaves 1-3 cm long, 2-4 mm wide, rounded or slightly pointed at the tip, with two pale bands below. Female cones 8-15 cm long, to 7 cm wide when open, waxy blue when immature and borne on thick stalks to 2 cm long and well developed towards the end of Jan. Seed about 1.5 cm long with a wing 1.5-2.5 cm long.

E China (Mts near Foochow)

NSW: Sydney (Royal Bot. Gds). VIC: Melbourne (Royal Bot. Gds, a fine mature specimen on the Eastern Lawn, also a smaller tree near the Temple-of-the-Winds).

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Pinaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.