N. Vietnam, Prov. Cao Bang, distr. Tra Linh, municipalite Quoc Toan, vicinity of Thang Heng and Lung Tao villages near Thang Heng lake. Open dry primary mixed forest with domination of Keteleeria fortunei on tops of limestone mesas and ridges at 800-1000 m alt. Tree up to 6-8 m hg. Flowers yellowish. Common. Usual codominante of 1 forest stratum on tops of ridges and mesas at 700-900 m alt. VH 4960 25-27.05.1997 International Botanical Expedition of the U.S.A. National Geographic Society (grant No 5803-96)