dendrologist divide all tree species into two large groups: deciduous and coniferous trees.And, as a rule, include one or another kind of one of these groups is very simple.The exception to this rule is a larch.This is a deciduous or coniferous tree?Let's try to sort out this issue.
Larch: conifer or deciduous tree?
Lárix - so is the title of this wonderful tree in Latin.Why is it that many people, the question arises: "Larch - is a deciduous or coniferous tree?"And how to answer it?
thing is that though the tree has needles, but in winter it resets its pins, just as do representatives of hardwood.That this moment and drives many people into a dead end.And not everyone can confidently answer the question "larch - is a deciduous or coniferous tree."
In fact, this beauty botany belongs to the pine family, and thus, it is softwood.And one of the most widespread on the planet.
Larch: botanical description of the plant
So, we found that the larch - pine tree.Properties of this plant, and its spread over the earth, we will look at below.
The average height of the tree - not more than 50 meters (with a trunk diameter of not more than 1 meter).Larch live an average of up to 300 years, although some specimens are fixed, lived to 800 years.
feature of this plant - conical (like many softwood), but very loose (Transmission) Kroon.In places where the wind rose unidirectional, crown may have flagoobraznuyu form.
main feature of this coniferous - is its needles.It is an annual and very soft, for coniferous wood.Touching larch needles quite nice.Every autumn tree sheds its needles in the spring on its branches grow new, fresh, green needles.
Larches are well-developed and strong root system, which enables them to settle on the steep mountain slopes, where throughout the year, strong winds blow.In some cases, for greater stability, rooted in the earth, even its lower branches.
Larch - this is a very photophilous tree, so she chooses sites for themselves relevant: open and unshaded.If growing conditions are favorable, the plant is capable of reaching out to the sun with stunning speed: up to one meter a year!
Larch is very resistant to low temperatures.Not afraid of it and sharp frosts.Undemanding tree and soils.So, larch can grow on dry soil of a hillside and on the swampy wetlands nizinki.However, if the soil conditions are too unfavorable, the tree will grow very stunted and low.
geographical distribution of plants
larch - one of the most common tree species on the planet, there are up to 15 different species.Very often, these trees form a vast and bright forests.Vast territories occupied by larch forests in Siberia and the Far East.
European larch is often called a long-lived tree.It is easy to live up to the age of several hundred years.In Russia the most common three types of larch: Russian, Siberian and Daurian.The latter can be easily distinguished by the brilliant silvery buds.In the Trans-Baikal grow entire forests of larch dahurica.
In North America, has spread larch and western US.In the US, these wood species is actively used in construction and industry.
Application larch man
wood of this tree has long been used by man.It is durable, resilient, resinous.Plus, it is very resistant to decay.The hardness of the tissue larch second only to oak.
wood of this plant is widely used in the construction business, in industry, in building is flooded or submerged structures.From it also produces turpentine.
plant used in traditional medicine.So, needles larch - a huge source of ascorbic acid.Therefore fresh needles (or the infusion of them) - is a great prophylactic against scurvy.In addition, the baths from the needles of the tree recommended for people suffering from diseases of the joints.Larch resin and turpentine are doing - a very effective remedy for rheumatism and gout.
In conclusion ...
Larch - is a deciduous or coniferous tree?After reading this article, you will remember the answer to this question.
Larch - tree is not only beautiful, but also very useful.The wood of this unique plant characterized by high strength and resistance to decay, so it is widely used in the construction industry.A few centuries earlier from it makes the most robust and reliable vehicles.
