[2] It is found in the provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Yunnan, and Zhejiang.

[4] It grows 25–30 m tall and 1 m in trunk diameter at breast height, forming a pyramidal crown with spreading, horizontal branches.

The tree is grown as an ornamental in warm climates, and the wood is used in construction and furniture, although the species is protected under Chinese forestry regulations.

In 1986, several researchers discovered some ancient K. fortunei stumps in good condition with an area of more than 30 km² in Shenhu Bay, Jinjiang, Fujian.

In 1992, this rare natural relict in the world was officially designated by the State Council of China as "福建深沪湾海底古森林遗迹国家级自然保护区/National Nature Reserve of the Ancient Submarine Forest in Shenhu Bay, Fujian", which also protects a paleo oyster reef relict with a history of 9,000-25,000 years next to this ancient submarine forest.