Variations 
var. aurantiaca 
This tree is similar to the species differing in having stout, glaucous slightly pungent leaves and the seed scales our entire or slightly dentate. It grows in the mountains of western Sichuan at an altitude of 2600 to 3600 m (10,800 ft) where it is regarded as an endangered plant.

var. heterolepis
This tree is similar to the species differing in having a seed scales with two lobes at the apex. It grows in the mountains of western Sichuan.

var. notabilis 
This tree is similar to the species differing only with slightly longer glaucous green leaves and rhombic-ovate cone scales.

var. retroflexa
This tree is similar to the species differing only in having a green leaves with narrow segments along the margin towards the base.