Today we offer a closer look at the magnificent representative of evergreen trees - Lebanese cedar. We will learn about how this representative of the flora looks, as well as where it can be found, and its significance and application by humans. In addition, we will answer the question of whether it is possible to grow this tree at home.
Lebanese cedar tree: description
In Latin, this coniferous plant is called Cedrus libani. Lebanese cedar is a species of coniferous trees belonging to the pine family. Under favorable conditions, it grows to forty to fifty meters in height. The diameter of the tree in this case reaches two and a half meters. In young Lebanese cedars, the crown is conical, and with age it acquires a broad and umbrella-like shape. The color of the needles varies from green to gray-blue-green.
These trees bear fruit twice a year, starting from 25-30 years of age. Lebanese cedar has light brown cylindrical cones, the length of which reaches 12 centimeters and a width of 4-6 centimeters. Seeds are inedible, tarry and spread by the wind. Their length is 15-18 millimeters, their width is 5-7 millimeters, and the wing reaches 25 millimeters. Lebanese cedar bark is dark gray and scaly. The wood has a red color and is durable, pleasant aroma, lightness and softness.
Lebanese cedar grows slowly. It is able to tolerate low temperatures up to minus 30 degrees Celsius. These trees are photophilous, resistant to drought and undemanding to soils. However, they do not tolerate excessive moisture.
Spread
As the name implies, trees of this species grow in Lebanon. As a rule, they are found in hard-to-reach areas at an altitude of one thousand to two thousand meters above sea level. Unfortunately, due to the many years of uncontrolled felling of Lebanese cedar, as well as due to a significant deterioration of the environment in places of natural growth, it was almost completely destroyed. To date, only six small cedar groves are left in the homeland of this magnificent coniferous plant .
In addition to the homeland of this tree, today you can find Lebanese cedar in the Crimea, on the coast of the Caucasus, as well as in Transcaucasia and Central Asia.
Additional Lebanese Cedar Information
By the way, this tree is the main national symbol of Lebanon. His image can be seen on the flag, coat of arms and currency of this country. Lebanon's highest state award is the National Order of the Cedar. Also in this country is the Divine Cedar Forest, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and protected by this organization. Here trees grow, whose age is two thousand years.
The use and significance of this conifer
Since ancient times, Lebanese cedar has been used in construction and shipbuilding. It is believed that various insect pests are very indifferent to its wood. The first mention of the use of Lebanese cedar is rooted in ancient Egypt. Sarcophagi for the dead pharaohs were made here from its wood. Also, the famous funeral solar boat, which is now located in one of the Giza pyramids, was also made of cedar. Also, these trees were used for decorating palaces and in the construction of religious buildings.
Lebanese cedar was used in Europe. So, the world famous Venice - a city on the water - was erected on stilts from this tree. Also, the famous Phoenician sailors plowed the waters of the Mediterranean Sea on ships from Lebanese cedar.
This plant also has healing properties. So, Lebanese cedar oil has an antiseptic effect.
Lebanese cedar at home
This magnificent plant has been cultivated by gardeners from Europe for several centuries. Therefore, if you wish, you can decorate your house with Lebanese cedar. The main thing should be borne in mind that the worst enemy of this plant is too dry and hot air. Therefore, it is necessary to place a small Lebanese cedar away from warm batteries. Thus, if in winter you saved the plant from the negative effects of heat, then in February-March it will give young shoots of a pale green color.
Lebanese cedar at home can be called a rather exotic object, which will certainly decorate any interior. You can buy it at specialized centers selling plants. By the way, in the southern regions, the price for it is often very symbolic (of course, we are talking about young seedlings, and not about perennial trees). Alternatively, you can grow Lebanese cedar from seeds. However, this process is very lengthy, and not everyone has the patience to carry it through.