Sabina, commonly known as fork cypress or Xinjiang cypress, is a hardy evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Sabina and the section Boke. It is native to the Tianshan and Altai Mountains in Xinjiang, as well as regions like Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Gansu, and Shaanxi, typically growing at elevations between 1,100 and 2,800 meters in rocky and sandy areas. The plant has been introduced to cities such as Beijing and Xi’an, where it is valued for its resilience and aesthetic appeal.
This species grows as a low shrub, usually less than 1 meter tall, with dense, spreading branches and fine, thread-like branchlets that are about 1 mm in diameter. Its leaves vary depending on the growth stage: young plants have thorny leaves arranged in opposite pairs or in groups of three, while older trees develop scale-like leaves that are rhombic in shape, with blunt or pointed tips and visible glands on the mid-dorsal surface. The cones appear at the tips of curved branches and take on a triangular shape. Flowering occurs from April to May, and fruiting follows from September to October.
Sabina thrives in sunny, cool, and dry climates, demonstrating strong resistance to cold, drought, and poor soil conditions. Its root system is well-developed, with a dense network of fine roots within the top 10–60 cm of soil, allowing it to sprout vigorously and withstand harsh environments. This makes it an excellent choice for windbreaks, sand fixation, and soil conservation in arid and semi-arid regions.
The plant is particularly adapted to fixed and semi-fixed sandy lands. After acclimation, it can grow well on loess hillsides and soils with adequate water and nutrients. With proper pruning, it develops multiple lateral branches, forming a neat, slender structure ideal for hedges. Its adaptability, fast growth, and ease of cultivation make it a popular choice for landscaping and ecological restoration.
Propagation is primarily done through cuttings due to the low seed germination rate and long dormancy period of S. vulgaris. Cuttings are taken from 3-year-old thick branches, 30 cm long and 0.5–0.7 cm in diameter, preferably with a small plug. They should be soaked in water or placed in moist sand. The best time for cutting is early spring, though fall propagation from early September to early October is also common. Spacing should be around 20 cm x 30 cm or 10 cm x 20 cm. Rooting is slow, taking about 60–70 days, and maintaining moisture and good air circulation is crucial for survival.
If grown in a greenhouse or sheltered area, cuttings can be protected from frost and managed carefully until they are ready to be transplanted into the nursery in late spring. Watering regularly increases the survival rate. Using nutrient bags for cuttings can also enhance rooting success and promote faster growth.
Sabina is widely used for slope stabilization, sand control, and afforestation in northern and northwestern China. Its attractive form and strong adaptability make it a valuable tree species for both ecological and ornamental purposes. Whether planted in urban landscapes or natural reserves, Sabina plays a key role in environmental protection and beautification.
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