Abies numidica

Numidian Fir ( Abies numidica )

The Numidian Fir ( Abies numidica ), also called Algiers- fir, is a species of the genus of fir (Abies ) in the pine family ( Pinaceae ). It only grows naturally in eastern Algeria.

  • 6.1 Literature
  • 6.2 Notes and references

Description

Vegetative characteristics

The Numidian fir is an evergreen tree can reach the stature heights of up to 25 meters. The dense branches go horizontally from the trunk, and form a conical shaped crown. Young trees have a smooth gray bark, which is brownish-gray with age and tears open scaly. The bark of the branches is shiny yellowish- green to brownish.

The egg-shaped buds are dark brown in color and are either harzlos or covered by a thin layer of resin. The 15 to 20 millimeters long, dark green needles are close to the branches. At the branch upper side they are from as they come off a v-shape on the affiliate side brush-like. At the needle base they are twisted. There are two white Stomatabänder at the needle base.

The short stubby stiff needles of the long shoots are blunt and clear dunkelgraugün

Branch of higher order with the typical for the firs horizontal expression

Bark and stem

Flower

As with all European firs section Piceaster the bracts of seed cones are hidden

The blunt tip of the seed pin characteristic

Seed

Generative features

The Numidian fir is like all fir species monoecious - getrenntgeschlechtig ( monoecious ). Cylindrical with a length of 15 to 20 centimeters and a diameter of 3.5 to 5.5 centimeters pins greenish - yellow. The seed scales are about 3 inches tall. The 12-14 mm long seeds have a wing is longer than the seed. The thousand grain weight is around 70 grams. The seedlings may make from four to eight cotyledons ( cotyledons ).

Distribution and location

The Numidian fir is native to Algeria. This endemic plant only grows on the slopes of Mount Babor and Mount Talahor located in Kabylia region. They are found at altitudes from 1300 to 2000 meters.

There are often formed mixed stands with the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ), the European Holly ( Ilex aquifolium), the Algerian Oak ( Quercus canariensis ) and the European yew ( Taxus baccata).

Use

In the Mediterranean, the Numidian fir is grown as an ornamental tree. It is also suitable for hedges as it tolerates pruning well.

System

The first description of Abies numidica was made in 1866 by De Lannoy in Abel Carrière Élie. Rev. Hort, p 106 The Numidian fir is allocated within the genus of fir (Abies ) of section Piceaster.

Synonyms for Abies numidica de Lannoy ex Carrière are Abies baberiensis Letourneux, Abies pinsapo var baborensis Coss. and Pinus abies var africana Münchh. , the last two as a noun shall nudum.

Threats and conservation

The species is on the IUCN Red List as "vulnerable" out. However, it is stated that a review of the risk is necessary.

Swell

  • Christopher J. Earle: Abies numidica. In: The Gymnosperm Database. May 27, 2011, accessed on 24 October 2011 ( English, Sections description, classification and use).
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