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Cedrus libani (Lebanon Cedar or Cedar of Lebanon), is a species of cedar native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region, in Lebanon, western Syria and south central Turkey.[1][2][3] The Cedars Conservancy parks in Lebanon were candidates in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition but were eliminated at the end of the first stage while the Jeita Grotto was chosen as the Lebanese national candidate.[4]
[edit] Description The Lebanon Cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 40 m (130 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) diameter. The crown is conic when young, becoming broadly tabular with age with more or less level branches. The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots and short shoots. The leaves are needle-like, spaced out on the long shoots, and in clusters of 15-45 on the short shoots; they are 5-30 mm (1⁄4–1 3⁄16 in) in length, quadrangular in cross-section, and vary from green to glaucous blue-green with stomatal bands on all four sides. The seed cones are produced often every second year, and mature in 12 months from pollination; mature cones in late autumn are 8-12 cm (3–4 3⁄4 in) long and 4-6 cm (1 1⁄2–2 3⁄8 in) wide. [edit] TaxonomyCedrus libani was first described by French botanist Achille Richard. There are two subspecies:
Some sources treat also Cyprus Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)[5] and Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)[6][7] as subspecies of C. libani. However, a majority of the modern sources[8][9][10][11][1][12][13] consider them distinct species. [edit] EcologyIn Lebanon and Turkey it is most abundant at altitudes of 1,000-2,000 m (3,300–6,500 ft), where it forms pure forests or mixed forests with Cilician Fir (Abies cilicica), European Black Pine (Pinus nigra), and several juniper (Juniperus) species. In Cyprus, it occurs at 1,000-1,525 m (3,300–5,000 ft) (reaching the summit of Mount Paphos). In the Atlas Mountains, it occurs at 1,370–2,200 m (4,500–7,200 ft) in pure forests or mixed with Abies species and Juniperus thurifera.[1] [edit] History, symbolism and uses  Cedar of Lebanon was important to various civilizations. The trees were used by the ancient Phoenicians for building trade and military ships, as well as houses and temples. The Egyptians used its resin for mummification, and its sawdust was found in pharaohs' tombs. The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh designates the cedar groves of Lebanon as the dwelling of the gods to where Gilgamesh ventured. They once burned cedar in their ceremonies. Jewish priests were ordered by Moses to use the bark of the Lebanon Cedar in circumcision and treatment of leprosy. Isaiah used the Lebanon Cedar as a metaphor for the pride of the world[14] According to the Talmud, Jews once burned Lebanese cedar wood on the Mount of Olives to announce the new year. Kings far and near requested the wood for religious and civil constructs, the most famous of which are King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem and David's and Solomon's Palaces. It was also used by Romans, Greeks, Persians, Assyrians and Babylonians.[15] Historically, extensive deforestation has occurred, with only small remnants of the original forests surviving. Deforestation has been particularly severe in the Lebanon and Cyprus; on Cyprus, only small trees up to 25 m (82 ft) tall survive, though Pliny the Elder recorded cedars 40 m (130 ft) tall there.[16] Extensive reforestation of cedar is carried out in the Mediterranean region, particularly Turkey, where over 50 million young cedars are being planted annually.[17] The Lebanese populations are also now expanding through a combination of replanting and protection of natural regeneration from browsing by goats.[18] [edit] Regional significance The Lebanon Cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon, and it is seen on the Lebanese flag. It is also the main symbol of the Cedar Revolution, along with many political parties in Lebanon such as the Kataeb, the National Liberal Party and the Lebanese Forces.[19] As a result of long exploitation, very few old trees remain in Lebanon, but there is now an active program to conserve and regenerate the forests. The forest of the Cedars of God in Bsharri and the Barouk forest are national reserves in Lebanon.[20][21][22] Extensive replanting is taking place in Turkey, where approximately 300 square kilometres (74,000 acres) of cedar are planted annually.[18] [edit] Horticultural useThe Lebanon Cedar is widely planted as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, often being planted in avenues, and as focal point trees in large lawns. The most prominent landscaping feature in London's historic Highgate Cemetery is its "Circle of Lebanon", where a Lebanon Cedar stands in the centre of a circular trench cut into the ground and lined with mausoleums.[23] [edit] Gallery
[edit] See also[edit] References
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