Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani) is one of the few representatives of the same genus belonging to the pine family. Repeated references to this gigantic tree are found in the Bible, as well as in historical documents of the period of Ancient Egypt and Greece. The appearance of this evergreen coniferous plant is relict. Currently, only 4 rocks from several dozen that existed on the planet are left on the planet, but their number is rapidly declining.
Botanical Description
Under the natural habitat, individual specimens of Lebanese cedar grow up to 50 m, and the diameter of the trunks reaches almost 2.5 m. Most of the trees have a height of 25-30 m. The bark is thick, dark gray. Crohn's cones in young cedars are characteristic of pine trees. Starting from the age of 15, the branches are located almost horizontally, floors. The shape of the peak is flattened and expanded, becoming a giant umbrella. The needles of Lebanese cedar are tetrahedral, bluish-green or bluish, gathered in bunches of 20-30 pieces. The needles are about 4 cm long. A gradual renewal of the needles occurs every 2 years. The air around the trees is saturated with volatile, destructive to the fungus and harmful insects.
Cones are cylindrical, barrel-shaped, brown, about 4-6 cm wide, elongated up to 12 cm in length. Inside, the fruits contain inedible resinous seeds about 15–18 mm in size, equipped with light wings. Cones are formed only in the 25th year of tree life; fruiting occurs twice a year.
The life expectancy of the Lebanese species is several thousand years. Cedar grows very slowly. The plant is unpretentious to the composition of soils, tolerates sandy, clay and calcareous soils well. He does not like stagnation of moisture, insensitive to prolonged drought. Prefers areas well lit by the sun. This species of cedar, despite its southern origin, is considered frost-resistant, as it is able to survive at temperatures up to -30 ° C. But the cold period of several months is fatal for him. Sharp changes are also reflected negatively on the tree.
Varieties of Lebanon, many botanists consider Atlas, Turkish and Himalayan cedars, since the differences between them are insignificant.
Valuable properties and applications
The wood of this species is soft but strong, has a reddish tint, small resinous passages, is well oiled, gives a pleasant aroma. In antiquity, an array resistant to cracking, deformation, and rotting was actively used for shipbuilding, and given the need for powers in a large number of ships, it was almost completely translated. Cedar wood is an excellent material for construction, turning and carpentry, furniture production.
The resin and oil of Lebanese cedar in Ancient Egypt were part of balms for treating the bodies of dead pharaohs and impregnating valuable papyrus. Extract was obtained by heating wood logs on fire. In Rome, the nobility used oil to make cosmetic wipes. Cedar sawdust was also appreciated, which was scattered on the floor to rid the premises of harmful insects and give the air a delicate aroma, strangled her clothes.
Lebanese cedar is an endangered tree species. Only a few small groves have survived in the world. The natural range of its distribution includes the highlands of Asia Minor, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Cyprus. In cultural plantings, this species is used in the south of Europe: in Italy and France. Lebanese cedar grows on the Black Sea coast: in the Crimea, in the Caucasus. He took root in the Transcaucasian regions and Central Asia. In Crimea, the species grows in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.
In Lebanon, this tree is a national state symbol; its silhouette adorns the flag, coat of arms, monetary currency, award orders and medals. On the territory of this country is the famous Divine cedar forest, protected by UNESCO. These are some limited forest stands with an area of about 102 hectares at an altitude of more than 2000 m above sea level. You can visit these places only with the permission of the authorities.
Decorative varieties
Breeders derived on the basis of Lebanese cedar several compact varieties suitable for growing in gardens and parks:
- Sargentii - a semi-dwarf tree with weeping shoots, grows very slowly, reaches a height of about 1 m by the age of 10, tolerates shaded areas well;
- Beacon Hill - is distinguished by bright green needles, has weeping branches, a narrow-conical crown, a bark of dark golden color, prefers areas well-lit by the sun;
- Glauca - the needles of the tree are grayish-blue, the shape of the crown is original, broken, weeping shoots;
- Nana - shrubby slow-growing form with a crown height of about 80–90 cm, needles dense, dark green, shoots asymmetrical, wide;
- Var stenocoma is a straight, short tree up to 3 m in appearance resembles a young spruce: a neat conical shape with a sharp top, shoots directed upward, the needles are dark green.
Landing
It will not work to grow decorative Lebanese cedars from seeds, since they do not bear fruit. For planting, it is necessary to purchase seedlings in nurseries. But you can try to grow a wild species from a nut. Sunflower seeds are placed in a moist, loose substrate of sheet soil, pine needles and sand, deepening by 2 cm. The container is placed in a cool place. Sprouts from germinating seeds appear after a few weeks. When the seedling reaches a height of 50 cm, it can be planted in open well-drained soil. In the absence of severe frosty winters in the area, there is a chance to get a beautiful coniferous tree. Expect that the giant will grow on the site, is not worth it. Far from the usual places, Lebanese cedars are similar in size to an ordinary pine. Mature trees do not exceed 12–15 m; they live about 50–80 years.