Today we offer a closer look at the magnificent representative of evergreen trees - the Lebanese cedar. We will learn about what this representative of the flora looks like, as well as where it can be found, and its meaning and application to 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. The Lebanese cedar is a type of coniferous tree belonging to the pine family. Under favorable conditions, it grows up to forty to fifty meters in height. The diameter of the tree at the same time reaches two and a half meters. In young Lebanese cedars, the crown is conical, and with age it acquires a wide and umbrella-shaped 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 cedarhas light brown cones of a cylindrical shape, the length of which reaches 12 centimeters, and the width is 4-6 centimeters. The seeds are inedible, resinous and dispersed by the wind. Their length is 15-18 millimeters, width - 5-7 millimeters, and the wing reaches 25 millimeters. The bark of the Lebanese cedar is dark gray and scaly. The wood has a red color and is durable, pleasant aroma, light and soft.
Lebanese cedar grows slowly. It is able to tolerate low temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius. These trees are photophilous, drought tolerant and undemanding to soils. However, they do not tolerate excessive moisture well.
Distribution
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 many years of uncontrolled felling of the Lebanese cedar, as well as due to a significant deterioration in the environment in places of natural growth, it was almost completely destroyed. To date, only six small cedar groves remain in the homeland of this magnificent coniferous plant.
In addition to the homeland of this tree, today you can find the Lebanese cedar in the Crimea, on the coast of the Caucasus, as well as in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
More information about the Lebanese cedar
By the way, this tree is the main national symbol of Lebanon. Histhe 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 under the protection of this organization. Trees that are two thousand years old grow here.
Use and meaning of this coniferous tree
Lebanese cedar has long 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. From its wood, sarcophagi for the dead pharaohs were made here. The famous funerary Solar Boat, which is now located in one of the pyramids of Giza, was also made of cedar. Also, these trees were used to decorate palaces and in the construction of places of worship.
Lebanese cedar has also been used in Europe. So, the world-famous Venice - a city on the water - was erected on piles from this tree. Also, the famous Phoenician navigators plied the waters of the Mediterranean Sea on ships made of 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 grown by gardeners from Europe for several centuries. Therefore, if you wish, you can decorate your home with Lebanese cedar. The main thing to keep in mind is 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 that will certainly decorate any interior. You can buy it in specialized centers for the sale of 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 see it through to the end.
