Cedar - coniferous forever green Tree Pine family. Cedar has a pyramidal or umbrella-shaped spreading crown and a slender trunk with cracking dark gray scaly bark. The root system of the cedar is superficial, so it is often subjected to windblows.
Needle-shaped cedar needles, hard and prickly, three- or four-sided, silver-gray and blue-green. They are collected in bundles of 30 pieces. On elongated or shortened shoots, they are arranged singly or in a spiral. Cedar needles live from 3 to 6 years.
Cedar blossoms in autumn. Female and male cones are located throughout the crown. Male cones are solitary, surrounded by bunches of needles, and female cones are 10 cm long and about 6 cm wide. The shape of the cones resemble an egg or a barrel, 10 cm long and 6 cm wide, erect, solitary, ripen in the 2nd year, then crumble. Seed flakes broadly kidney-shaped. Seeds 12-18 mm long, resinous, triangular, with a wing.
Cedar is a giant plant. It can reach a height of about 60 meters, and their crown diameter is about 3 m. In addition, this giant is also a long-liver: its life expectancy is 3000 years.
As a rule, cedar grows in the mountains at an altitude of about 1500-3600 m, forming forests with fir, spruce, oak and pine.
There are only 4 types of cedar. Atlas cedar grows in Africa - a big tree about 60 m in height with a pyramidal crown, with silver-gray or bluish-green needles. In Syria, Lebanon, you can find the Lebanese cedar. In Cyprus, the Cypriot short coniferous cedar grows, but some scientists consider it a subspecies of the Lebanese cedar. In youth, the crown of the Cypriot cedar is cone-shaped, in mature age it is sprawling, in old age it is umbrella-shaped.
Some specimens of this coniferous tree reach a height of about 40 m. Its shoots are slightly pubescent or bare, tetrahedral green needles, 5-10 mm long. Cypriot cedar has single light brown barrel-shaped cones, from 6 cm long and 4 cm in diameter. In the Western Himalayas, the Himalayan cedar grows - a tree more than 50 m high with a pyramidal crown and gray-green needles.
Cedar is a tree healer. All parts of this tree have medicinal properties.
In addition to the so-called true cedars, on almost all continents there are many tree species that locals called cedar. They may also be deciduous trees. In Africa, this is Thompson's guard, which is called fragrant cedar, in Asia it is Burmese cedar. In Russia, Siberian cedar pine is called Siberian cedar.
Landing and care
Cultivation of cedar is a very difficult matter. For example, in summer, he needs regulated watering - without drying out and without stagnant water.
Under natural conditions, cedars do not grow in the northern latitude, because these trees are very thermophilic.
Cedar loves fresh, well-drained, loamy soils. It does not tolerate maritime winds very well, and also suffers from chlorosis on dry calcareous slopes.
Planting is best in early spring(before bud break) or autumn (after leaf fall). The place for the cedar should be spacious and open, light, because this tree likes to grow in sunny and free areas.
When transplanting cedar, seedlings of 9 years of age are more reliable. They need to be dug up with a clod of earth and transferred to the landing site, after wrapping the clod with a film or cloth. Landing pits must be prepared in advance. Mix the excavated soil with fertilizers (humus, peat, rotted manure, wood ash).
Under natural conditions, cedar reproduces by seeds. In culture, it is propagated by grafting.
More than 130 species of insects have been counted that harm cedars. The most significant damage is caused by: - cone moth. Method of struggle: spray the plant at the beginning of flowering with Lepidocide. Repeat treatments in a week.
The variegated red rot of the trunk caused by the pine sponge causes great harm to the old cedar.
The roots of cedar are affected by the root sponge, which contributes to the windfall of trees. A tree with an affected trunk must be removed from the site.
To protect cedars from diseases and pests, it is necessary to use biological and chemical methods fight them, buy only highly immune forms of trees, as well as create normal conditions for their growth.
Silvery and blue forms of cedar are very often used to decorate gardens and parks. Currently, in the Crimea, as well as in the Caucasus, cedar is also used in forest plantations.
In particular, the drought-resistant Lebanese cedar is used in park construction in Central Asia, the Atlas cedar - in the Crimea. The cedar looks great in groups, stands out against the background of other plants with the contours of its crown and green needles. The cedar looks even more attractive in single plantings, and when creating avenue plantings.
Types and varieties of cedar
The wood of this cedar is very resinous, fragrant and durable. It is used in the furniture industry.
It occurs naturally in North Africa. It grows together with holm oak, stinky juniper and Aleppo pine in lower belt mountains; already higher, the Atlas cedar forms pure plantations.
Tree about 40 m tall, with a pyramidal, loose crown, stiff bluish-green needles and ovate or cylindrical, shiny, dense, light brown cones. In youth, the Atlas cedar grows faster, in the spring it starts growing late. Atlas cedar is frost-resistant, withstands temperature drops of about -20 ° C, is very photophilous, dust-resistant. Poorly tolerates lime in the soil. Suffering from waterlogging. Has a number of decorative forms.
In nature, it grows in the Himalayas, Afghanistan.
Tree about 50 m tall, with a broadly cone-shaped crown. In mature trees, the crown is flat on top, with ramifications on the branches. Young shoots are pubescent. The Himalayan cedar has needles with a bluish tint, light green, longer than other species, in bunches. Cones 10 cm, ovoid, bluish when young, then red-brown.
A durable, fast growing cedar species. It tolerates shading well, likes high humidity of the soil and air. Undemanding to soils. Tolerates temperatures down to -25°C. Doesn't like windfall.
Himalayan cedar, as well as its forms, like a very beautiful tree, deserve wide use in the south of Russia in park construction. It looks great in group plantings, standing out in contrast with the characteristic contours of its crown and green needles. It also looks impressive in single plantings, when creating alley plantings. It tolerates a haircut perfectly, forming original hedges. Himalday cedar forms mixed forests with spruce, fir, pine, and oak. This cedar is especially valued in landscape plantings in the south of Russia. He is the most valuable breed in the southern Crimea.
It grows naturally in Asia Minor.
Tree about 40 m tall. In youth, the crown is wide-spread, cone-shaped, in adulthood - umbrella-shaped. Shoots slightly pubescent or glabrous. The needles are dark green, about 4 cm, tetrahedral, hard, in bunches of 40 pcs.
Cones are light brown, solitary, 10 cm long, about 5 cm in diameter, barrel-shaped. It grows very slowly, photophilous and frost-resistant. Drought-resistant, undemanding to soils. Durable.
A majestic, beautiful tree, characterized by mighty growth, dense branching and a large trunk. Excellent in single plantings.
Its wood is strong and fragrant, quite soft and light. Due to this, its wood is used in shipbuilding, in construction, and for the manufacture of furniture.
Siberian cedar in Russia appeared on the lips of people in late XVII century. Despite the fact that the tree is called cedar, it has nothing to do with real cedars: Himalayan and Lebanese.
Description
Siberian cedar is an evergreen tree that belongs to the genus Pine. In height, the cedar can reach 44 meters, the trunk of old trees in diameter can reach 2 meters. The lifespan of a cedar is about 500 years. The needles of the tree have a dark green color, can reach a length of 14 cm. The needles grow in bunches, five needles each. The root of the tree is short, taproot, branching.
Spreading
Cedar is especially common in Western Siberia, in the Urals, in Eastern Siberia, in Altai, in Mongolia, in Northern China, in the Sikhote-Alin mountains. There are also artificial plantations of cedar in the European Northern part of Russia: in the Arkhangelsk region, Vologda, Yaroslavl, Kostroma regions. Siberian cedar is often confused with Korean and European cedar, but these trees have some differences.
Collection and storage
Siberian Cedar blooms in July, and the seeds ripen in August - early September, when they are collected by cones. To extract seeds from a cone, the latter is heated in a special drying machine, where, under the influence of temperature, the scales are bent, and the seeds themselves fall.
In case of poor separation of seeds from the cone, mechanical processing is used. After the seeds are pulled out, they are laid out in the sun to dry. It is very important not to miss the moment when the peel is already dry, but the seed inside is still soft. It is during this period that the seeds must be removed from the sun.
Seeds can be stored for no more than 6 months. After this period, their composition begins to change dramatically: poisonous products appear. The seed changes shape, color, taste. Seeds are also susceptible to moisture. Accordingly, they need to be stored in a ventilated place, in a fabric bag, periodically pouring into a container and allowing the accumulated moisture to evaporate.
Application
Cedar forests are famous for their fresh air and pleasant aroma. The thing is that cedar releases substances such as phytoncides into the air. They disinfect the air. Walking through the cedar forests is also very useful for mental disorders, nervous diseases.
For bronchial asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, decoctions and tinctures are used. Also, with various diseases of the oral cavity, to improve the quality of blood, to cleanse blood vessels, with uterine bleeding, it is recommended to use a decoction of pine needles. Tincture of needles is used for skin inflammation.
In rheumatism and similar diseases, it is used as a rubbing. alcohol tinctures And turpentine baths. To relieve fatigue, it is recommended to take baths with infusion of cedar needles. In the treatment of gastrointestinal inflammation, they drink a tincture of cones. Camphor oil of Siberian cedar is excellent in the treatment of diseases. nervous system as aromatherapy.
Siberian cedar, or rather its fruits and needles, are used for the following diseases:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Tuberculosis
- Tracheitis
- Pneumonia
- Pneumonia
- Angina
- Stomatitis
- Runny nose
- Purulent skin lesions
- Mastitis
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach or intestines
- Pneumonia
- Nervous disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Scurvy
- Uterine bleeding
- Chronic fatigue
- Inflammation of the gums
Beneficial features
Recipes
Infusion of cedar needles for rinsing the mouth with inflammation of the gums prepared according to this recipe: Siberian cedar, needles, in the amount of 5 grams, are ground in a mortar. Poured into a glass warm water. Put on fire and cook for 20 minutes. After that, it is removed from the stove, infused for another half an hour and filtered. Rinses must be carried out several times a day, in addition, the same solution can be used orally to saturate the body with vitamin C, which is so necessary when inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
For external use, infusion of cedar needles prepared as follows: 0.5 kg of needles are poured with 3 liters of boiling water. Insist about 6 hours, filter. Add to bath with warm water. Take this bath for 30 minutes every other day.
For respiratory diseases prepare an infusion of cedar buds: crushed buds in the amount of 10 grams are poured with a liter of boiling water, insisted in a warm place, for example, in a thermos, for 3 hours. Filter. Take 3 times a day for a tablespoon, after meals.
As a diuretic and choleretic agent prepare a decoction according to the following recipe: Siberian cedar, kidneys, 2 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for about 30 minutes. After that, insist another 40 minutes. Filter. Take daily for a week, 3 times a day, half a glass.
With uterine bleeding, mastitis, drink a decoction of the shell of nuts: 1 cup of the shell must be poured with a glass of boiling water, then boil for 30 minutes. Remove from stove and leave for 2 hours. Express. Take before meals 3 times a day, half a glass.
At peptic ulcers intestines and stomach Siberian cedar oil is recommended. Apply it in a teaspoon half an hour before meals - in the morning, and 2 hours after eating - in the evening.
For respiratory diseases make compresses from turpentine and petroleum jelly, in a ratio of 1 to 5.
Application restrictions
- angina pectoris
- Pregnancy
- Oncological neoplasms
- Individual intolerance
The maximum life expectancy is 500 (according to some sources 800-850) years.
Encyclopedic YouTube
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✪ Cedar pines
✪ Cedar. Pine Siberian. 32
✪ coniferous plants: cedar pine, Weymouth pine, elfin cedar.
✪ Recipe for cedar tincture - Siberian
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When choosing plants for the site, we want them to be winter and frost-resistant, resistant to diseases and pests, do not require special treatment, be decorative throughout the year, grow quickly; so that the culture is durable and our descendants can be proud of the work of our hands and it’s not bad if the plant matches the new fashionable landscape trends. Didn't forget anything? Oh yes! I forgot! It would not be bad for it to bear fruit, giving tasty fruits. We shovel a mountain of literature, sit on various forums and specialized sites and, in Eventually , gradually our requirements are reduced, reduced ... and the very thought of such plants seems utopian. It seems to us that nothing like this can happen in our climate and we need to either say goodbye to this idea, or leave and plant a garden somewhere in sunny Italy, Spain, France ... But there is no need to despair, there are many types and varieties of plants that correspond to these requirements. In this article I will tell you about one of them. I want to introduce you to the cedar pine - a plant that we call "Cedar". If you look, then this is not one, but a group of plants. But, let's take it in order ... The following types are classified as cedar pines: Ermine pine, European cedar pine or European cedar, Korean cedar or Korean cedar pine, Siberian cedar pine or Siberian cedar. What do these plants have in common? Well, firstly, long dark green needles, collected 5 pieces in a bunch; secondly, the famous pine nuts. By the way, the seeds of all types of pines are edible, however, the seeds of cedar pines are of sufficient size for collection. Cedar pines are powerful large plants with a dense, beautiful crown. The exception is the cedar elfin, but it stands apart from the rest of the cedar pines. If I were asked which plant I consider absolutely winter- and frost-resistant, then cedar pines would undoubtedly be the first to come to mind. The artificial habitat of these plants is from the forest-steppe zone to the polar Kola Peninsula. Cedar pines calmly endure both low winter temperatures and high summer temperatures; sudden temperature changes and return frosts are not terrible for them. Therefore, in our region, these pines have found their second home. Starting from the age of 10, cedar pines do not actually require any intervention from us. Is it just to add mineral fertilizer once every three years, maybe arrange a shower in a particularly hot summer, well, keep track of Hermes and mealy worm. Also, with age, the cedar increases its annual growth - up to 50 cm. However, in young years, the cedar not only grows slowly (5-10 cm), but is also susceptible to various fungal diseases. During this period of its life, the cedar is very vulnerable. Young plants are extremely sensitive to soil acidity, alkaline and strongly acidic soil can lead to weakening of the seedling. Optimal acidity - pH 6-7. Also, young cedars need to be watered regularly and it is imperative to shower. It is worth remembering that root competition, compacted soil and, to a lesser extent, poor lighting can also lead to the death of a young seedling. Therefore, while the plant is small, we regularly weed weeds under it, make sure that the soil is breathable and, despite the fact that young cedars are shade-tolerant, we try to plant the plant in a sunny place. Once again, the older the cedar seedling, the easier it is to take care of it. However, you should not chase after large-sized plants - such seedlings are not cheap and planting them will not be very cheap. The optimal size of a cedar pine is up to 2-2.5 m. In general, I can talk about cedars ad infinitum, admiring their beauty and decorativeness throughout the year. Remembering that this plant has long been a symbol of strength and health (cedar pine lives an average of 400 years and reaches 40 m), I want to say that cedar pines are not only suitable for our climate, but also ideal as a family tree. I want to remind you that the cedar pine is undoubtedly a "fruit" plant. In our climate, where the range of fruit crops is extremely limited, cedar can become part of the orchard. Yes, cedar pines are distinguished by late fruiting, in culture not earlier than 15-18 years old (in nature from 40 years old), yes, the seeds ripen within a year and a half, but believe me - it's worth it. The Japanese say: “Why do Russians need medicines when they have cedar pines?” And this is no accident, the seeds cedar pine rich in amino acids, most of which are essential acids. Cedar resin is also extremely valuable and irreplaceable. And what a decoction of pine needles ... Yes, if you list everything beneficial features This plant is enough for several articles! And, before moving on to the nuances of agricultural technology, I would also like to note that all cedar pines can be used for container gardening. That is, to grow both on balconies and loggias, and on open terraces. Well, now a few words about the agricultural technology of cedar pines. The basic rules for planting do not differ from planting any other plant, but there are a few points that will allow you to end up with a beautiful and healthy seedling. 1. It must be remembered that a feature of the mineral nutrition of Cedar pines is a strong need for potassium. Excess nitrogen in the soil has a depressing effect on the development of its root system. Based on this, we do not abuse nitrogen fertilizers, but at least once every couple of years we add potash fertilizers. 2. Be sure to mulch the plant and add a layer of mulch every year. First, pine and larch mulch will promote the formation of adventitious roots. Let me remind you that adventitious roots enhance the nutrition of the plant and accelerate its growth. Secondly, do not forget that cedar pines are mycotrophic plants. That is, the absence of mycorrhiza on the roots can serve as one of the main reasons for poor growth and premature death of the plant, and mulch in every possible way contributes to the development of mycorrhiza. Thirdly, a layer of mulch retains moisture in top layer soil, which is especially important when growing cedar on light sandy loam, and on heavy clay soil it protects it root system from squeezing in winter. And, fourthly, weeds under mulch slow down their growth. 3. When planting, you need to remember that cedar is a powerful plant and the minimum planting step is 3-4 m. 4. It must be remembered that the root system of cedar pine needs air, so the soil must be absolutely breathable. By following these simple rules, you will get a healthy, beautiful plant which will become decoration and pride of your garden for many years!
Name
In Russia, the plant gained fame at the turn of the XVII-XVIII centuries under the name " Siberian cedar”, although from a scientific point of view this species belongs to the genus Pine and is a close relative of the Scots pine, and not true cedars (Lebanese, Atlas and Himalayan).
Botanical description
Siberian cedar is an evergreen tree 20-25 (40) m tall. It is distinguished by a dense, often multi-topped crown with thick branches. The trunk is straight, even brown-gray, in old trees it forms a fissured scaly bark. Branching is whorled. shoots last year brown, covered with long red hairs.
Nutcracker and chipmunk play an important role in seed dispersal.
Distribution and ecology
Siberian cedar is often confused with Korean cedar, Siberian cedar and European cedar.
Consortative ties
Between Siberian cedar and nutcracker ( Nucifraga caryocatactes ) mutually beneficial interspecies consortium bonds have historically developed. Cedar seeds serve as the main food for the nutcracker and, as a result, in the process of evolution this was reflected in the structure of some of its organs and lifestyle, and the instinct of the nutcracker to store food for the winter turned out to be useful for the natural renewal of the cedar and the formation of stone pine forests. Creating stocks of cedar seeds, the nutcracker hides them in small (up to 30 nuts) portions in numerous places, more or less evenly distributed on uncovered and forested areas in the upper soil horizons and in the moss cover. Due to this, in places where the seeds of the nutcracker were lost or not used for any other reason, single or group seedlings of the cedar are formed.
In addition to nutcracker, chipmunk, squirrel, sable, bear, woodpecker, nuthatch, etc. feed on Siberian cedar seeds, but they cannot be called obligate consorts of cedar: in the diet of these animals, cedar seeds are not mandatory. only sable ( Martes zibellina L.), for normal life and reproduction, a certain amount of seeds of this breed is required.
Among animals feeding on other parts of the cedar (needles, wood, bast, etc.), obligate consorts are apparently absent. There are no obligate consorts in Siberian pine, probably among fungi, including those forming mycorrhiza. Although Siberian pine is a highly mycotrophic plant and cannot grow in the absence of mycorrhiza, mycorrhizal fungi associated only with Siberian pine have not yet been identified. So far, only one thing is known: the cedar develops mycorrhiza with the same types of fungi as other forest-forming species.
Chemical composition
Oxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic phenolic acids were found in the bast.
The chemical composition of the oleoresin of the Siberian cedar changes when climbing the mountains: the content of α-pinene decreases (from 50.5% to 39.1%) and the amount of Δ3-carene and β-phellandrene increases, respectively, from 27.6% to 39.5% and from 6.4 to 8.4%.
Siberian pine needles contain 0.8-1.05% essential oil. IN essential oil found α-pinene (56.6-63.2%), β-pinene (0.95-1.38%), β-phellandrene (0.78-1.71%), limonene (0.97-2 .03%), germacrene-D (10.8-15.8%), cadinenes (5.7-8.4%), β-myrcene, cis-β-ocimene (0.46%), α-terpinene , pair-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-terpinolene, α-thuyene, camphene, sabinene, Δ3 carene, α-bisabolene, β-bizabolene, α- and β-caryophyllenes, bornylacetate, etc.
The needles of a cedar growing in Novosibirsk region, contains trace elements: manganese 756 mg/kg, iron 151 mg/kg, boron 13 mg/kg, zinc 12.6 mg/kg, molybdenum 2.6 mg/kg, copper 2.5 mg/kg.
The kernel contains amino acids - alanine 5.37 g/100 g of protein, arginine, aspartic acid, histidine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine, serine, cystine, including essential ones: lysine 5.74 g/100 g of protein , methionine 1.6, tryptophan 1.23, valine 3.39, leucine + isoleucine 15, threonine 3.1, phenylalanine 6.47. Nut oil contains fatty acids: myristic 0.1-1.26%, palmitic 3.6-7.26%, palmitooleic 0.04-1.19%, stearic 1.77-4.86%, oleic 19, 9-26.3%, linoleic 38.8-46.7%, linolenic 18.9-23.7%, arachidic 0.28-1.64%, eicosadiene 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0, 94-1.35%.
19 amino acids have been identified in nut kernel proteins, 70% of which are essential or conditionally essential. Free amino acids found 18, dominated by glutamic acid, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, proline, tyrosine, alanine. The kernel of nuts contains essential amino acids threonine 0.24-0.31%, valine 0.44-1.05%, methionine 0.14-0.39%, isoleucine 0.39-0.88%, leucine 0.69 -1.33%, lysine 0.35-0.78%, phenylalanine 0.35-0.81%, tryptophan. In terms of the content of phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine and tryptophan, pine nut proteins are not inferior to the proteins of the main cereals and oilseeds, and in terms of the content of individual amino acids (cystine and tryptophan), nut proteins are close to dairy products proteins, surpassing them in arginine content. Pine nut amino acids, due to their specific composition, not only provide the structural-plastic and regulatory function of proteins, but also participate in the prevention of certain metabolic disorders in the human body.
The kernel of nuts contains mono- and disaccharides 2.57-4.92%, dextrins 2.08-2.53%, starch 5.26-6.11%. The kernel of nuts contains riboflavin 0.93-1.2 mg%, thiamine 0.24-0.66 mg%, tocopherols 9.2-32.8 mg%, vitamins B3, B5, B6 are also found. By the content of tocopherols, thiamine and riboflavin, pine nuts are significantly superior to other nuts. Found in nut kernels ascorbic acid 64 mg%. Nuts serve as a rich source of magnesium, which is necessary for normalizing cholesterol metabolism, preventing stone formation and reducing the excitability of the nervous system. Nut kernel contains iron 1.8-4.2 mg%, magnesium 244-440 mg%, zinc 0.85-2.1 mg%, iodine 0.03-0.07 mg%, silver 0.003-0.006 mg%. The content of fatty oil in the kernel of the nut varies depending on the degree of maturity, the zone of growth of the plant and can reach 63-66%.
Pine nuts collected in the Irkutsk region contain iodine 0.387-0.741 mg/kg, manganese 5.43-15.15 mg/kg, cobalt 0.107-0.197 mg/kg, copper 2.18-3.816 mg/kg, nickel 0.046 -0.073 mg/kg. Especially valuable is the high content of iodine, manganese and copper. The content of trace elements in nuts may vary depending on the year of collection by 15-60%.
The kernel of pine nuts contains fatty oil 56-63%, protein 17-23%, carbohydrates 10-14%, phosphatides 0.65-1.12%. Contains macroelements: calcium 16-20 mg%, magnesium 200-260 mg%, microelements - iodine 0.38-0.74 mg/kg, manganese 7-15.1 mg/kg, iron 7-18 mg/kg, cobalt , copper and nickel; vitamin E 9.24-10.9 mg%. Cedar oil contains vitamin E - 27.6 mg%, vitamin B1 0.51-0.66 mg%. The iodine number of cedar oil is 155-169. The nut kernel contains pentosans 2.1%, starch 12.4%. In fatty oil oleic acid 33.7-35.8%, linoleic acid 31.1-34.3%, linolenic 20.6-27.7%.
Pine nuts contain macronutrients (mg per 100 g of dry kernels): phosphorus 486-716, magnesium 396-488, potassium 350-403, calcium 35-49, iron 2-3.8; trace elements (mg per 1 kg of dry kernel): manganese 5.1-9.7, copper 1.5-3.1, silicon 2.1-3.1, iodine 0.38-0.71, silver 0.028-0.071 , as well as molybdenum, boron, nickel, cobalt, zinc, etc. Compared with other nut crops common in Russia, Siberian pine nuts are distinguished by a high content of phosphorus and especially magnesium. One hundred grams of pine nut kernels fully satisfies daily requirement human in magnesium, 200 g of the nucleus - in phosphorus.
The kernel of pine nuts contains carbohydrates (%): glucose 2-3.8, fructose 0.14-0.3, sucrose 0.23-0.71, dextrins 2.1-2.5, starch 5.2-6 .11, pentosans 1.72-2.11; oil 59.2-66.3, nitrogenous substances 2.8-3.3, phosphatides 1.16-1.41 (by their number, pine nuts surpass the fruits of other nut crops and oilseeds). Cedar oil contains (%) linoleic acid 50.8-67, linolenic 14.9-27.4, oleic 10.4-22.3; tocopherols 47.8-68.2 mg%, including α-tocopherol 25.2-34.4 mg%, γ-tocopherol 5.8-6.6 mg%, δ-tocopherol 16.8-26.2 mg %.
Siberian pine seeds contain condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), hydrolysable tannins (derivatives of gallic and ellagic acids), flavonoids (eriodictyol, taxifolin), epicatechin, lilac and vanillic acids, as well as small amounts of catechin, protocatechuic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, naringenin and others
17 fatty acids were found in the pine nut kernel: myristic 0.7%, palmitic 6.4-7.6%, palmitooleic 0.08-0.3%, stearic 3.2-4%, oleic 21.7-26, 2%, linoleic (ω6) 38.4-44.3%, γ-linolenic (ω6) 16.8-18.7%, α-linolenic (ω3) 0.31-0.45%, eicosadiene (ω6) 0.6-0.7%, eicosatriene (ω6) 1.2%, etc.
The fatty oil of pine nuts contains 5-11% saturated acids, oleic 10.4-26.5%, linoleic 38.8-59.1%, γ-linolenic 14.8-24.4%, α-linolenic 0.15- 1.35%, eicosadienic 0.58-1.24%, eicosatriene 0.94-1.35%. Pine nut oil contains tocopherols up to 58-70 mg% (all α, β, γ, δ isomers are present). The composition of the fatty oil varies greatly depending on the zone of growth of the cedar pine. So, in the Irkutsk region, the content of linoleic acid in oil is 50.8-61.4%, linolenic 14.9% - 27.4%, and in the Novosibirsk region, respectively, 53.9-67% and 17.6-25, 2%, Tomsk region 40.4-44.5% and 18.2-21.9%. With an increase in geographical latitude, an increase in the amount of tocopherols in cedar oil is observed. So, in the Siberian pine from Krasnoyarsk Territory the amount of tocopherols in walnut oil is 49.6 mg%, in Gorny Altai 35.1-67.1 mg%, in the Irkutsk region 47.8-64.6 mg%, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug 40-121 mg%. In most regions, the main isomer is α-tocopherol (from 50.5 to 61.2% of the total amount of tocopherols).
Pharmacological properties
Pine nut oil normalizes the lipid spectrum of the blood, lowers cholesterol levels, helps to reduce excess body weight. A number of physiological effects of cedar oil are associated with the presence of identified terpenes in it.
Economic importance and application
Cedar wood is soft, light and durable, with a pleasant smell, highly valued, used, in particular, for the production of pencils. Wood has beautiful texture, shades from pink and light beige to pale chocolate and dark brown. It does not give in to moisture and is not corroded by bugs, it is almost not subject to decay, wormholes. Easy to give in various types processing, it is very well planed, polished and dries practically without cracking. Due to these properties, cedar wood is in demand in the manufacture of furniture, crafts, housing construction, and interior decoration. Wood has resonant properties; pianos, harps, guitars are made from it.
The stock of timber in middle-aged cedar forests is 260-560 m³/ha.
In traditional crafts, in addition to wood, thin cedar roots are used. Vessels of various shapes and sizes are woven from them - rhizomes.
Pine nuts are a valuable food product that can be eaten both raw and after heat treatment. In terms of the amount of phosphatide phosphorus, pine nuts surpass all other types of nuts and oilseeds and are equivalent to soybeans, the richest source of lecithin among vegetable raw materials. The daily human need for such deficient trace elements as manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt is provided by 100 g of nut kernels. They are also a rich source of iodine. Among carbohydrates, cedar seeds contain (%): starch - 5.80; glucose - 2.83; dextrins - 2.26; fiber - 2.21. Fructose and sucrose make up only 0.25 and 0.44%. Pine nut protein is characterized by a high content of lysine, methionine and tryptophan - the most deficient essential amino acids, which usually limit the biological value of proteins.
Harvest of nuts various types cedar forests of Western Siberia - from 10 to 640 kg / ha (broad-grass cedar forests - the most productive, sphagnum - low-yielding).
Application in medicine
Pine nut oil is a complete source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To meet the daily requirement of essential fatty acids, you need to consume about 20 ml of oil per day. It has a cholesterol-lowering effect, contributes to the normalization of the lipid spectrum of blood (HDL cholesterol levels increased by 29%, and LDL levels decreased by 21%, the atherogenic index decreased by 40%), lowering systolic blood pressure and reducing overweight.
Crushed pine nuts inhibit gastric secretion, the production of gastric juice decreases and its acidity decreases. One hundred grams of pine nuts covers the daily human need for vitamin E.
The preventive efficacy of cedar oil was confirmed when it was included in the diet of patients with cardiovascular pathology.
Use for other purposes
It is possible to produce confectionery products enriched with protein products from Siberian pine nut kernels, which can be recommended for functional and therapeutic nutrition. On the basis of cedar oil, the formulations of three-component mixtures have been developed vegetable oils, optimized for the composition of acids ω-3 and ω-6 and intended for functional nutrition. Combined products with cedar cake have been developed: cheeses, mayonnaises, confectionery pastes, cereals fast food, food concentrates - semi-finished flour confectionery products, bakery products.
Genetics
In 2014, studies were carried out on the polymorphism of Siberian stone pine at five loci (RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123, PTTX-2146, PICO) with a primer annealing temperature of 55 ˚С. The analysis showed that for RPS-124, RPS-90, PTTX-2123 the level of variability is low, the trees are monomorphic, however, for PTTX-2146, a third allelic variant was identified, which is typical for Siberian dwarf pine, which indicates the likelihood of distant hybridization. The highest level of genetic polymorphism shows
Since ancient times, cedar has fascinated people with its natural power, beauty and healing power. He was called the breadwinner tree, a mystery, a gift from the gods. From ancient times, thickets of cedar trees were considered sources of miraculous energy that calms and enlightens thoughts, awakens the soul and directs feelings to everything beautiful that is on Earth. Over the course of several thousand years, during which people watched him, he not only did not lose his significance, but increased it, which was confirmed by many scientific discoveries.
Cedar is one of those rare trees, all parts of which are used for food or medicinal purposes.
Cedar forests have such intense phytoncidal power that one hectare of such forest would be enough to purify the air in the whole city.
The ancient Sumerians revered the cedar as a sacred tree and gave names to the most majestic specimens. Cedar wood served as a measure of exchange and was often valued more than gold. The Sumerian god Ea was considered the patron of the cedar, and no one could cut down this tree without the highest permission. These facts confirm those found during excavations. clay tablets, which date back to the 5th-4th centuries. BC. A description of what a cedar looks like was inscribed on them.
The decoration of the tomb of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun is made of cedar wood. For 3 thousand years, it not only did not deteriorate, but even retained its delicate delicate smell. Due to its qualities, cedar resin was one of the components of mummifying mixtures, and cedar oil helped preserve priceless ancient Egyptian papyri to this day.
The ancients built their ships from cedar wood, and the wonderful gopher tree from which Noah built his ark is a cedar growing in the valleys of Mesopotamia.
Tree Description
The majestic cedar belongs to the genus of the Pine family. These are monoecious, evergreen trees up to 45 meters high, with a wide-pyramidal spreading crown. They are long-lived and grow up to 400-500 years. The dark gray bark on young trees is smooth, on old trees - with cracks and scales.
The needles are needle-shaped, resinous, hard and prickly. Its color in different species varies from dark green to blue-green and silver-gray. The needles are collected in bundles. Cedar flowers, if you can call spikelets that way, up to 5 cm long with numerous small stamens and anthers. Cedar blossoms in autumn.
Cones grow on branches one at a time, arranged vertically, like candles. They ripen in the second or third year and disperse during the winter, scattering seeds in the wind. Once in favorable conditions, they germinate in 20 days.
Cedar seeds are not at all like nuts. They are small, with wings for better wind dispersal and are inedible.
Cedar needs light, not compacted from above and breathable soils. They are very sensitive to standing water. Prefer soils poor in lime. On mountain slopes made of limestone, they suffer from chlorosis and often die.
Feel better in the open sunny places, but on richer soils grow well in partial shade.
Growth area
Places where cedar grows everywhere are the southern and eastern regions of the coast. mediterranean sea. Trees prefer mountainous areas with cool summers and mild winters. They are also found in the foothills of the Himalayas, in Northwest Africa, in Lebanon, where the cedar is one of the national symbols and is depicted on the state flag and coat of arms.
In Russia, cedar grows only on the southern coast of the Crimea, where it has successfully acclimatized and gives abundant self-sowing. In other regions it is found only in botanical gardens and nurseries. And that tree, which is called the Siberian cedar, is actually a representative of the Pine genus and is correctly called Siberian, European or Korean pine. With cedars, these varieties are united by one family. But everyone's favorite and extremely useful "pine nuts" gives precisely Siberian pine.
Types of cedar
The genus of cedar has 4 species:
- Atlas - Cedrus atlantica;
- short coniferous - Cedrus brevifolia. In some sources, this species is classified as a subspecies of the Lebanese;
- Himalayan - Cedrus deodara;
- Lebanese - Cedrus libani.
The structure of the cones of cedars and pines is in many ways similar, so for a long time the listed species were considered identical. But fresh Scientific research refuted these data, and now both species are separated in the classification.
Atlas
The Atlas cedar grows on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco. In its natural environment, it is found at an altitude of up to 2000 m above sea level. The tree is majestic, spreading. The largest specimens reach 50 m in height, and their trunk diameter is 1.5–2 m. The needles are collected in bunches and have a bluish-green tint. The wood is resinous and fragrant, smelling like sandalwood. The Atlas species tolerates frosts down to -20 ° C and copes well with drought.
In African countries cedar wood used as fuel. The oil has good antiseptic properties and is widely used for cosmetic purposes.
Atlas cedar like cultivated plant grown in the south of Europe, in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and in Asian countries.
Which is widely grown as a garden or indoor plant, is an Atlas cedar.
Himalayan
The Himalayan cedar grows in the eastern and south East Asia, in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, in Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. In the mountains it occurs at an altitude of up to 3500 m. In terms of height and girth of the trunk, the Himalayan species is not inferior to the Atlas, in contrast to it, it has a more wide-conical crown. The branches of an adult tree are parallel to the ground. The wood is durable and has a strong aroma, it is light yellow with a red-brown heartwood. The needles are quite soft, light, with a gray-gray tint.
Cones ripen for more than a year, then crumble. Seeds are small, inedible, resinous. The Himalayan species tolerates shading better than others, although under natural conditions it occupies the upper tier of the forest. Some specimens live up to 1000 years.
The Himalayan cedar grows rapidly and is widely used in landscaping parks in southeastern Europe and the Crimea.
Lebanese
The Lebanese cedar is not inferior to others in terms of height and trunk power. The crown of young trees is conical, becoming more flattened over the years. The needles are blue-gray-green, live 2 years, collected in bunches.
At the age of 25–28 years, the tree begins to bear fruit. Cones are formed every two years.
This variety is characterized by slow growth, tolerates short-term frosts down to -30 ° C. Prefers well-lit areas, light drought, can grow on poor soils, but does not tolerate excessive moisture.
Lebanese cedar is valued for its light, soft, but at the same time durable wood Red.
Types of cedar pine
Despite the fact that, according to the latest scientific data, Canadian, Korean and Siberian species are only close relatives of the real cedar, the names familiar to all have remained among the people. Canadian cedar belongs to the genus Thuya of the Cypress family.
Korean cedar pine
Korean, or Manchurian cedar - a coniferous tree from the genus pine, common in East Asia, China, Korea, Japan and Russian Far East. A tall powerful tree has a dense cone-shaped crown and shallow roots. The needles are bluish-green, long, grow in bunches of 5 pieces.
Cones ripen within a year and a half and fall off in autumn or early winter. Each cone contains many nuts. bears fruit korean look once every few years.
Siberian cedar pine
Siberian cedar, or Siberian pine, is an evergreen tree, only slightly inferior in size to its famous relative. It lives up to 500-700 years, it is distinguished by a dense, often multi-topped crown with thick branches. The needles are soft, long, with a bluish bloom. The tree builds up a powerful root system, and on light sandy soils it develops anchor roots that penetrate to great depths. Compared to shade-tolerant cedars, with short period vegetation.
The plant has male and female cones. They ripen within a year and a half and fall off in early autumn. Each cone contains up to 150 nuts. Up to 12 kg of pine nuts are obtained from one tree. Siberian cedar begins to bear fruit late, on average at 50–60 years of age.
Nutrient squirrels and chipmunks take part in the dispersal of the tree, which spread the seeds over long distances.
The subtleties of growing cedar from nuts
Russian gardeners grow Siberian cedar pine, habitually calling it cedar. Nobody would refuse to have a fluffy Siberian beauty with fragrant needles and healing nuts on their site, and for modest possessions there are undersized varieties that do not take up much space. Learn how to grow cedar by purchasing a seedling from a nursery.
When choosing a place, it should be borne in mind that with age, the need for a tree in sunlight only grows, so you should choose places without shading. If possible, cedar seedlings with a closed root system are purchased. It is best to take root specimens whose root system has not had time to dry out, so it is advisable to choose a seedling that has just been dug up. An earthen ball should be at least half a meter in diameter and packed in wet burlap and a plastic bag.
How to plant a cedar pine seedling
Before planting, it is necessary to dig up the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe garden on which it is planned to plant seedlings. Landing pits prepare a little more than an earthen ball. The distance between the pits should be at least 8 m. Young cedars are planted immediately in light soils, and sand and peat are added to heavier soils.
A little soil is poured at the bottom of the pit and a seedling is placed, straightening the roots. root collar should not be below ground level. If this still happened, the seedling is taken out and a little more earth is added. Then, next to the tree, a peg is dug in and the hole is covered with earth, slightly compacting it. The planting hole is watered abundantly, the ground in the trunk circle is mulched with coniferous litter, sawdust or crushed bark.
Within two weeks, while the seedling takes root, it is watered after 2-3 days, if there is no rain.
We grow cedar from a nut
If you could not find a seedling in the nursery, and ripe pine nuts in a vase suggest a certain thought, feel free to choose the largest ones with a whole shell - we will try to grow cedar from seeds at home. The process of sprouting nuts is not quite simple, but very exciting:
- seeds are placed in water and kept for 3 days, periodically changing it;
- floating nuts are removed, and the rest are kept for several hours in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate;
- disinfected seeds are placed in a moist substrate and subjected to stratification for at least 3 months;
- then the nuts are once again soaked in potassium permanganate for a day and dried;
- sown in closed ground (greenhouse or film shelter) in prepared soil, which contains 20 parts of peat, 2 parts of ash and 1 part of superphosphate to a depth of 2–3 cm;
- before the emergence of shoots, the grooves are watered.
IN closed ground seedlings are grown for 2 years. After that, the cover is removed. 6-8 year old trees are ready for transplanting to a permanent place.
Caring for a young Siberian cedar consists in mulching the near-stem circle, surface loosening in the absence of mulch and making potash fertilizer three times in a season. To do this, 20 g of potassium sulfate is diluted in a bucket of water and watered each tree.
Two varieties of cedar pine are popular with gardeners - "Recordist" and "Icarus". Both are highly decorative, compact in size, relatively unpretentious and bear fruit abundantly.
The cedar, which was grown from a nut, will soon become one of the most beloved trees on the site. And when it grows up, and it will be possible to relax in its shade, it will give you many pleasant moments, bringing coolness and refreshing the air with a delicate resinous aroma.
The formation of a cedar at their summer cottage - video
Cedar, thanks to its bark, has decorative look in any season. Possesses healing properties, and a pronounced aroma cedar wood, gives good mood and relieves stress and depression. The non-sweet aroma is effectively used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Also used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. In ancient times, the cedar was considered a sacred plant, it was a symbol of longevity and greatness.
Cedar looks like an evergreen tree, up to 50 meters high. On average, he lives up to 250 years. Fertility begins in the period from 20 to 70 years. It has soft, long needles, which are collected in bunches of four or five needles each. The needles are dark blue, green and even grayish. Her life expectancy is 9-11 years. Due to its structure, it retains maximum moisture in the plant.
The bark is dark gray and very dense. Due to its strong resinous content, it is bypassed by insects, and it is resistant to decay. It has a powerful root system that allows the tree to endure adverse weather conditions.
Barrel-shaped cedar cones, up to ten centimeters long. Both male and female cones can grow on the same tree. Pollinated by the wind. They ripen two or three years after the appearance. Pine seeds triangular shape length from ten to seventeen millimeters. They are highly resinous and unsuitable for consumption.
Real cedars love warmth, are common in subtropical latitudes. In the northern countries, all growing cedars are pines. There are such types of cedar trees:
Cedar is a beautiful tree that can be easily grown at home. To do this, you need to choose a fresh cone, remove the nuts. They should smell good, be free of mold, and be intact. In order to germinate nuts, you need to choose a box with a hole. Put dry grass on the bottom, place the seed and cover with a layer of grass. Leave in the winter in the snow until spring. If this is not possible, you can place the box in the refrigerator.
In the spring, plant the grain in a pot with peat soil and sand (1: 1). The tree must receive enough water. Place on a windowsill with adequate lighting.
Transplant to open ground possible from the age of three. Prepare a landing site in advance:
European or Siberian cedar is better suited for planting at home. It is not worth using means to increase soil fertility: this will lead to the appearance a large number earthworms.
Beneficial features
Cedar has useful biological substances that are found in cones, nuts, resin, bark and needles. Cedar kernels are rich in fats, proteins, carbohydrates, contain glucose, lecithin and ash. Protein is rich in amino acids. Nuts also contain vitamins B, D and E. The needles contain the following useful properties:
- vitamin A;
- essential oils;
- phosphorus;
- copper;
- iron;
- ascorbic acid.
Wood resin and needles secrete a substance that kills microbes.
People have long noticed the beneficial properties of cedar and began to use it for various purposes. Wood is used to build houses and make furniture. Also used in traditional medicine and culinary.
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