At first glance, everyone knows exactly where cedar grows. Many people love to enjoy pine nuts. However, the tree that is commonly called cedar in Russia is actually a cedar pine. At the same time, the seeds of a real representative of this genus of conifers are inedible. However, there are a number of cultures that are characterized by common characteristics. This is the reason for the confusion in their names.
Features of this tree
Real cedar looks very impressive. This crop reaches a height of 40-50 meters and is distinguished by a spreading crown.Moreover, its trunk reaches 3 meters in girth. 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 can be short or longer. Long branches are complemented by needles arranged in a spiral.
Cedar leaves are sharp and needle-like. Moreover, each needle typically has 3-4 edges. The needles come in different shades - dark green, silver-gray or blue-green. Moreover, there are stomata on all sides of the leaves. The needles are arranged on leaf cushions in bunches - 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.
Cedar cones are arranged vertically. They resemble an egg or a barrel in shape. The scales look like tiles and have a spiral arrangement. At the base of each of them there are 2 seed cavities. The seeds are triangular in shape and covered with a thin film. A tenth of their weight comes from large wings.
Beneficial features
Cedar wood has many beneficial properties. The seed kernels contain many fats and vitamins. Therefore, they are often used in the food industry and medicine. Microelements that are present in pine nuts improve memory and saturate the body with vegetable fats and proteins.
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 cope with asthma.
Where is cedar wood used?
Cedar wood has found wide application in various industries. This is due to its unique properties:
- The material is distinguished by a white tint, which turns into pinkish-ocher. If you use varnishes, you will be able to get an unusually attractive golden color.
- The wood has a high density. It can be used to make durable boats. The material is also used to produce runners for sleds.
- 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.
- Cedar wood contains many essential oils. Therefore, furniture is often made from it, which has a pest protection effect.
- The material contains phytoncides. Thanks to this, it is not susceptible to putrefactive bacteria and does not bloom. Cedar is well suited for making dishes for storing dairy products or other perishable food.
- Cedar can be used to make flooring. They retain heat well and are resistant to moisture.
Where does real cedar grow?
Today, several types of true cedars are known in botany, which differ in their distribution area:
- Lebanese - represents the symbol of the country of the same name. Its wood is highly valuable. This material was used for the construction of temples and the production of icons.
- Atlas - widely used in North Africa. This culture is considered undemanding to growth conditions. It is found high in the mountains and can withstand severe frosts and dry weather.
- Cypriot - found only in the mountainous regions of Cyprus. This tree is considered quite rare. Its distinctive feature is its small needles.
- Himalayan - this plant is found not only in the Himalayas. It can be seen in the mountainous regions of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The tree has excellent decorative properties and is considered very unpretentious. That’s why it is often used in landscape design.
How trees are also called cedar
In Russia, trees growing in Siberia are commonly called cedar. But in botany they are called cedar pines. However, another name is often found in the literature - “Siberian cedar”. This is the name given to pine, whose wood had an intense aroma. Just like real cedar, the plant is characterized by a spreading fluffy crown, impressive height and large cones. However, the main difference between cedar pine is its edible seeds, which bring great health benefits.
Korean pine pine is found in the southern part of the Far East, China and Japan. It is characterized by large seeds. In such areas dwarf cedar also grows. 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 Europe. It is considered a very ancient and rare species.
Is there a tree in Russia
In Russia, it is not true cedar that is found, but cedar pine. This plant often grows in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. It is also found beyond the Arctic Circle.
Cedar is a fairly common plant that has a number of features. Moreover, many types of such culture are known today, which differ in distribution zones.
