It would seem that everyone has long known where the cedar grows. The seeds of this tree, known as pine nuts, are a very tasty and healthy treat, loved by many. But in fact, it turns out that the tree, which in Russia is considered a cedar, is scientifically called a cedar pine. The seeds of the present representative of this genus of conifers are inedible. But there are common signs by which this tree began to be called so. Spruce, cedar, pine and some other representatives of conifers belong to the same family. All of them have useful properties and have long been used by man for various purposes. But the cedar tree stands out among conifers . In the world now grows several of its species.
Real cedar
Photos of these trees show their differences from pine and spruce. But in botany, only four species are considered to be the real cedar, growing in the south. They have been known since antiquity and are mentioned in the Bible.
1. Lebanese cedar is a symbol of this country, and it was its valuable wood that was used to build temples and make icons.
2. Atlas cedar is common in North Africa. It is very unpretentious and grows in highlands, withstanding frost and drought.
3. There is still Cypriot cedar. A photo of him shows that he differs from other relatives in small needles. Therefore, it is also called short-coniferous. This rare tree is found only in the mountains on the island of Cyprus.
4. Himalayan cedar grows not only in the Himalayas, but also in the mountainous regions of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This tree is very beautiful and unpretentious, therefore it is often used for landscaping.
Features of Cedar
It has many useful properties and since ancient times is widely used by man, like all conifers. Cedar is one of the most unpretentious and beautiful trees of this class. What features made him so famous?
- This tree has very strong, beautiful wood, which also has antiseptic properties and is not subject to rot and insects. They make furniture, musical instruments, ships, and much more.
- Cedar needles are soft and release volatile, which disinfect the air.
- All cedar trees are very beautiful. Their needles are painted in silver or light green, the branches are very fluffy, and the crown is most often pyramidal.
- All parts of the cedar have a strong pleasant smell, which is considered useful for humans.
Where does the real cedar grow
In nature, trees of this genus are found in the southern highlands. Cedars are common in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. They are quite unpretentious, but can not withstand frosts below 25 degrees. Cedars need well-moistened, poor in lime soil, best sandy loam or loamy. But they do not like stagnation of water and severe drought.
Cedars grow best on mountain slopes, well-lit by the sun, but are also found in shady areas. In the last two hundred years, these trees began to be used for landscaping in many countries. Especially often in the south they plant cedar. Where this tree grows in Russia, those who went to rest in the Crimea or the Caucasus know. Beautiful, fluffy trees along with cypresses are now a symbol of many resorts of the Black Sea coast.
Description of Cedar
This is an evergreen tree growing up to 50 meters. It has a dark gray smooth bark and a spreading crown. The needles are trihedral, prickly, collected in bundles of up to 30-40 needles. Their color can be different: light or dark green and even silver-gray or blue. Cones are ovoid or barrel-shaped, large. The tree begins to bear fruit after 50 years. The seeds of this cedar are inedible. This tree is one of the oldest on Earth, its pollen was found in a layer that is 200 million years old. Cedar lives long, its Himalayan species can stand for about 3000 years. But usually there are trees aged 250-300 years. Their wood is a pleasant yellow or reddish tint, very strong and durable.
What trees are also called cedar
If you ask any resident of Russia where cedar grows, then everyone will answer that in Siberia. But scientifically, this tree is called cedar pine. Although in many books the name Siberian cedar has already taken root . It is believed that the so-called pine, whose wood had a strong pleasant aroma. It was also similar to a real cedar tree with its spreading fluffy crown, large cones and height. But the main difference between cedar pine is that its seeds, called nuts, are edible and very healthy. And their lovers are sure that cedar gives them. Where does this tree grow in Russia? Cedar pine is most common in Siberia, Altai and Transbaikalia. But it is also found in the north of European Russia and even beyond the Arctic Circle. In the south of the Far East, in China and Japan, Korean cedar pine is widespread , characterized by larger seeds. Cedar shrubbery also grows in these places - a shrub no more than 5 meters high. But its seeds are also edible and eaten. And in the mountainous regions of Europe, European cedar is found - a very ancient and rare species of cedar pine .
Useful properties of Siberian cedar
Its main advantage is nuts. They are nutritious, tasty and have long been used to produce healing oil. Pine nuts kernels contain many vitamins, amino acids and minerals that a person needs. They improve blood composition, prevent tuberculosis and increase efficiency. Nutshell tincture is used for hemorrhoids and diseases of the stomach. Cedar needles also have healing properties. It contains volatile, a lot of ascorbic acid and carotene. It is used for general strengthening baths and preparation of vitamin infusions. Cedar needles contain five times more essential oils than pine needles. Therefore, it is widely used in the cosmetic and perfumery industries. Cedar resin, also called resin, has long been used for wound healing. Scientists have determined that it has an antiseptic and anesthetic effect. Cedar wood also has valuable qualities. It is easily processed and releases phytoncides and a pleasant aroma for a long time. Therefore, it is often used in the construction and manufacture of furniture.
How to grow a cedar
Already two hundred years ago, this tree was brought to the territory of Russia. But real cedar can grow only in the southern regions.
More unpretentious is cedar pine. Its heavy seeds can not be carried by the wind, they are distributed by cedar birds, transporting nuts over long distances. Everyone knows where the cedar grows, but this tree can be grown in any region of Russia. He needs sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, moderate watering and weeding. Most often, a cedar tree is grown from seeds, sowing them in the fall and covering with spruce branches. It will be important in spring to protect seedlings from birds and rodents. This tree grows slowly and only after 10-15 years it will be able to please you with a fluffy crown, and cones will appear even later.