Where the cedar grows: a description of how the tree looks and blooms, how long it lives

At first glance, everyone knows exactly where the cedar grows. Many people love to eat pine nuts. However, the tree, which in Russia is called cedar, is actually a cedar pine. At the same time, the seeds of a true representative of this genus of conifers are inedible. However, there are a number of cultures that share common characteristics. This is the reason for the confusion in their names.

Features of this tree

Real cedar looks very impressive. This culture reaches a height of 40-50 meters and is distinguished by a spreading crown.At the same time, its trunk in girth reaches 3 meters. The plant is characterized by dark gray bark. In young trees, it has a smooth structure, but with age it becomes covered with cracks and scales. Shoots are short or longer. Long branches are complemented by needles arranged in a spiral.

Cedar leaves are sharp and needle-like. At the same time, 3-4 faces are typical for each needle. The needles are distinguished by different shades - dark green, silver gray or blue-green. At the same time, stomata are located on all sides of the leaves. The needles are arranged on leaf pillows in bundles - 30-40 pieces each.

Short branches complement the spikelets, which are surrounded by needles. Their length is approximately 5 centimeters. The stamens on the plant are arranged in a spiral. Each of them has 2 anthers.

Pine cones are arranged vertically. They are shaped like an egg or a barrel.The scales look like tiles and have a spiral arrangement. At the base of each of them there are 2 seed recesses. The seeds are triangular in shape and covered with a thin film. A tenth of their weight comes from their large wings.

Useful properties

Cedar wood has many useful properties. Seed kernels include many fats and vitamins. Therefore, they are often used in the food industry and in medicine. Trace elements that are present in pine nuts improve memory and saturate the body with vegetable fats and proteins.

With moderate use of this product, it is possible to strengthen the immune system and improve the functions of the nervous system. In addition, it has a good effect on the cardiovascular system.

Cedar wood successfully copes with microbes. Milk made from the crushed seeds of the plant is used to treat tuberculosis. Cedar resin has healing properties. It is used to treat colds and pulmonary diseases.At the same time, cedar needles help to cope with asthma.

Where cedar wood is used

Cedar wood has found wide application in various industries. This is due to its unique properties:

1. The material has a white tint that turns into pinkish-buff. If you use varnishes, you can get an unusually attractive golden color.
2. Wood has a high density. It is permissible to use it for the manufacture of durable boats. The material is also used for the production of sled skids.
3. The material is considered quite soft. In addition, it does not contain knots. This makes it possible to actively use wood for the production of pencils.
4. Cedar wood contains a lot of essential oils. Therefore, furniture is often made from it, which has a pest-proof effect.
5. The composition of the material includes phytoncides. Due to this, it is not affected by putrefactive bacteria and does not bloom. Cedar is well suited for making dishes for storing dairy products or other perishable foods.
6. Cedar can be used for the manufacture of flooring. They retain heat well and are resistant to moisture.

Where real cedar grows

Today, in botany, several types of real cedars are known, which differ in their distribution area:

1. Lebanese - represents the symbol of the country of the same name. Its wood is of high value. This material was used to build temples and make icons.
2. Atlas - widely used in North Africa. This culture is considered undemanding to growth conditions. It is found high in the mountains and can withstand extreme cold and dry weather.
3. Cypriot - found only in the mountainous regions of Cyprus. This tree is considered quite rare. Its distinctive feature is small needles.
4. Himalayan - this plant is found not only in the Himalayas. It can be seen in the mountainous regions of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan. The tree has excellent decorative properties and is considered very unpretentious. Because it is often used in landscape design.

As trees are also called cedar

In Russia, it is customary to call cedar trees growing in Siberia. But in botany they are called cedar pines. However, another name is already often found in the literature - “Siberian cedar”. This was the name of the pine, the wood of which was distinguished by an intense aroma. Just like a real cedar, the plant is characterized by a spreading fluffy crown, impressive height and large cones. However, the main difference between the cedar pine is considered to be edible seeds, which bring great he alth benefits.

In the southern part of the Far East, in China and Japan, Korean cedar pine is found. It has large seeds. Cedar elfin also grows in such zones. It is a shrub no larger than 5 meters in size. Its seeds can also be eaten. European cedar is found in the mountains of European countries. It is considered a very ancient and rare species.

Is there a tree in Russia

In Russia, there is not real cedar, but cedar pine. This plant often grows in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. It also exists beyond the Arctic Circle.

Cedar is a fairly common plant that has a number of features. At the same time, many types of such a culture are known today, which differ in distribution zones.

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