Tropicals > Abies > Abies numidica > Abies numidica
Abies numidica
Origin: Native to Algeria.
Mike's
Opinion
"
Medium to large conifer Abies numidica trees can reach a height of 20 to 35 meters, and are only found growing in a high-altitude Mediterranean environment between 1,800 and 2,004 meters. These ornamental trees are rarely grown in some parks and large gardens. Because of its resistance to dehydration, it is highly valued among firs.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Pinaceae |
| Genus |
| Abies |
| Species |
| numidica |
| Category |
| Tropicals |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 6 - 9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4b - 6a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-23.3) - (-17.8) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-10) - 0 |
| Height |
| 20 - 35 m |
| Spread |
| 9 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The plant is a conifer/evergreen that grows up to 35 m in height. The tree displays leaves that are needle-like, densely branched crowns with whorled, horizontally arranged limbs. Very tightly packed, upward-facing and sometimes in two rows, bright blue-green needles. Purplish green, cylindrical cones with hidden bracts rest upright on the branch. |
| Landscape |
| The Algerian fir is a well-liked option for ornamental planting in parks, gardens, and other landscapes due to its attractive blue-green needles and conical form. The Algerian fir can be used as a windbreak in open regions because of its height and density. The fir can be planted in slopes and other erosion-prone areas because of its durable root system, which allows it to stabilize the soil and even avoid landslides. |
| Cultivation |
| The cultivation of the Algerian fir is quite simple. They like full sun, but will also tolerate partial sun and even shade. Soils are well-drained and pH levels should be slightly acidic to neutral. In the spring or the autumn, plant the Algerian fir. Duplicate the root ball's width and depth when digging the hole. After completion, water once weekly to avoid possible root rot. |
| Shape |
| This plant can start as a seed from cones that are produced, over time forming into a conical shape, a densely branched crown that can reach 35 m or 120 ft in height. Growth on this plant is considered to be fast, it takes seven to eight years for the Algerian fir to reach its full height. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| ID Characteristic |
| Some identifiable characteristics are: the bark is grey or brown. It is often smooth when young and rough and cracked when it ages. The branches are brownish in colour. The leaves of this tree are needle-like. They have glossy dark green foliage on top with bands of white around the bottom of the brush. The foliage is very tightly packed resembling a V-shape on the upper side of the branches. |
| Pests |
| Major Algerian fir diseases include scales and aphids. Some less common but still prominent diseases/pests include but are not limited to: pine shoot beetles and adelgids, which feed on the plant's sap, eventually causing stunted growth and discolouration in the needles. |
| Habitat |
| This plant is typically found in dry, well-drained areas. More specifically, Algerian fir thrives in mountainous areas where the temperature is Mediterranean. It is scattered throughout Algeria, to the nation's second-highest peak, Djebel Babor. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The Bark on young branches is light grey, has brownish pigments, and is smooth. Over time the bark becomes darker, rough and cracked. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| When matured, the female buds produce cylindrical cones that are 15 cm long and 3 to 4 cm in diameter. They have winged seeds that are 2 to 3 cm long. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are thick and firm, resembling needle-like foliage. Leaves are arranged in a spiraling pattern, hanging in a pendulous form. Needles are up to 2x4 cm, observed under a magnifying glass since veins in the leaves are not deeply visible. |
| Flower Description |
| It starts to bloom in April. The male flowers are red, and eventually turn yellow, while the female blooms are green. |
| Fruit Description |
| The fruit capsule is about 2 to 3 cm long and shaped like a wing. The initially green capsule turns red and becomes yellowish before splitting. This fruit produces a cone 15 cm in length and 3 to 4 cm in diameter. |
| Colour Description |
| Leaves with heavy dark green pigments, with the underside of the foliage sometimes having white bands due to lack of sunlight. Since this plant is an evergreen, it will never drop its leaves or change colour. The bark colouring is described as brown with grey tones. The fruit is said to be green when it is in bud form, eventually turning red or yellow when it turns into a flower. |
| Texture Description |
| The Algerian Fir isn't sharp to the touch and has a soft texture. In addition to being bendable and flexible, the needles are less likely to break when brushed against or touched. The Algerian Fir's bark also has a unique texture; usually, the bark is rough, scaly, and dark brown in appearance. While the dark colour aids the tree in absorbing more sunlight for photosynthesis, the rough texture helps shield the tree from harm from hazards such as fires or grazing animals. |
| Notable Specimens |
| A grove of Abies numidica, covering about 1,000 hectares, can be found in Taza National Park in Morocco. |
| Propagation |
| This evergreen can be propagated in many different ways, including stem cuttings, Seed germination and Grafting. Seeds can be sown in a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil mix in a pot or a nursery bed. The seeds usually take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground. Plants must be kept in hot-humid conditions. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| The Abies numidica evergreen has a wide range of ethnobotanical applications, including but not limited to traditional medicine, incense, timber and wood, ornamental features, food, and beverage. I think the health advantages of this tree are its most noteworthy uses. Asthma and bronchitis are among the respiratory conditions that are treated with various Abies numidica components. Additionally, tea and liqueurs can occasionally be flavoured with the resin of Abies numidica. The tree's young needles are also used to flavour soups and stews in some societies. Abies numidica has a wide range of ethnobotanical uses, which reflects the significance of the tree to North African ecology and society. |
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