Abies numidica seed

LATIN NAME: ABIES NUMIDICA

COMMON NAME: Algerian Fir

The Algerian fir brushes the dense, dark-green crown with the short, blunt needles held flat on the upper side of the shoots, the upright, barrel-shaped cones standing on the high branches, and the whole tree carrying the stately, alpine look of the true firs. The foliage keeps the deep, rich green with the pale bands beneath, the bark stays smooth and grey on the young trees, and the tree grows into the neat, conical specimen of the cool garden. The cones break apart on the tree at the maturity, and the seed scales scatter with the small, winged seeds. It is one of the fine firs of the Mediterranean mountains, at home in the cool, moist, well-drained ground.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

The Algerian fir is one of the endangered conifers of the North African mountains, and the conservation work has given it a quiet prominence in the botanical networks. The research covers the seed germination, the way the tree copes with the dry summers and the health of the wild stands, while the nurseries grow it for the gardens and the collectors of the rare true firs follow it closely. The remnant forests are watched with care, and the species stands as the example of the mountain tree that held on.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

In the cool garden, the Algerian fir brings the stately presence of the high mountains. The dense, dark crown and the neat, conical habit give the structure and the evergreen calm through the year, and the tree stands up well where the summers stay mild. In its native mountains the timber serves the local, light uses and the tree holds the soil on the steep slopes. A rare, distinguished conifer that the garden treasures.

The Algerian fir seeds prefer a fine, sandy compost kept moist in the cool shade. The seedlings are slow but sturdy, and they grow on with the short, blunt needles. Keep them in the cool, bright spot through the first year or two, and give them the shelter from the strong sun and the drying wind. They transplant well into the deep, moist, well-drained soil of the cool bed. The dense, dark crown comes with the years.

To grow the Algerian fir from seed, sow the small, resinous seeds thinly into the shallow flat of fine, sandy compost, keep the flat in the bright, cool spot and mist gently. The seedlings come through within a few weeks, and they grow on slowly. Keep the young trees in the cool, shaded spot and the moist ground, and the dense crown will brush the sky over the years.