Siberian spruce - widespread plant.From their relatives differ lush pine needles, impressive size (up to 30 meters or more), as well as the shape and size of the cones.In Russia, has long been attributed to this tree miraculous properties.Forest beauty loved and revered not only in Western Siberia - the main habitat of its growth, but also far beyond its borders.
Appearance plants
tall trees, occupying a decent space in width (up to six meters and more), characterized by lush foliage with a pointed four-sided coniferous around 2-2.5 cm long, thanks to its unpretentiousness and endurance, great neighborswith more powerful neighbors.Photos of Siberian spruce, presented below, are unlikely to be able to convey the beauty and majesty of the plant.Young trees are forced to fight for a place under the sun, excellent tolerate shade, but rather sensitive to the composition of the soil.Siberian spruce does not like sand or marshes, but very resistant to low temperatures.This allows her to feel good in the middle and southern taiga.The bark of young trees is smooth, with a hint of brown, with age, he receives a certain roughness and a little lighter.
trunk eating a healthy level, with a few twigs.Tree grows rather slowly, and the young shoots are sensitive to spring frosts.Unlike most of the relatives, Siberian beauty rather peculiar colorful blooms.Cones appear in the middle or the end of spring.Women are usually bright red, clearly visible through the needles at the top of the tree.Men, no less conspicuous, contain large amounts of pollen.The wind carries it over long distances, resulting in it settles are literally everywhere.By September, the female cones reach their maximum size (8 cm), they mature seeds that are food for many Siberian birds and some mammals.
locations and growing conditions
Siberian spruce in Europe, along with the usual, occupy the northern and north-eastern lands.Due to its high frost resistance and less demanding to soil and humidity, it is prevalent in Western Siberia and the Far East, with the exception of the polar latitudes.The area of Siberian spruce takes thousands of kilometers, starting from the border with the forest-tundra and ending in the south of the lower reaches of the Kama River.Lives up to 300 tree (at least - 500) years, enduring well as the hilly and plain areas.
Species Siberian spruce
depending on growing conditions and other natural factors, the tree has several morphobiological forms.Externally, they are basically different colored needles.It may be green, silver, gold, or blue-gray.The last of these varieties is the most rare.Siberian spruce blue listed as endangered.Its industrial logging in the last years is prohibited.Due to the unique shade of pine needles, it is often used as an ornamental plant.
Reproduction and artificial cultivation
The natural environment ripe seeds dropped from cones, carried by wind, birds and mammals.When prosperous circumstances, they can germinate and eventually turn into saplings.After a few decades, they will take the form of traditional spruce and impressive size made only at the end of its first century.
In vitro reproduction practices sometimes stiff shanks.Seed germination of spruce pretty good - up to 70%, but due to the relatively slow growth of this method is not used too often.For the first year after planting a tree barely reach 10 centimeters in height.A ready to move to a permanent place, it will be after 5-7 years.In addition, young spruce are very susceptible to various diseases.So that the efficiency of cultivation of seeds is quite low.
Industrial use
Siberian spruce, along with the usual refers to the valuable tree species.It is widely used for the manufacture of furniture, musical instruments, construction, as well as in pulp and paper industry.In addition to wood, it has a certain value and needles.It is a source of healing essential oils used in medicine, in the production of cosmetics, tanning agents and feed additives for animals.
All kinds of fir, including Siberian, valued at park facilities.Conifer plantations perfectly clean the air, making it beneficial to the respiratory system.Walking through the park fir are recommended for people with respiratory diseases.
use in medicine
Due to the high content of volatile production in the needles of spruce - one of the most powerful antiseptics.And it can even sterilize the surrounding air, releasing nutrients naturally.
The medicine is used to treat respiratory diseases, including - asthma.Patients should be advised inhalation decoction of the young cones, pine needles, or even walk through the spruce trees.Resin plants taken orally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.Sometimes, it is recommended for bronchitis.
In folk medicine, is also known for its healing properties of Siberian spruce.Description of recipes its application is very extensive.Anything goes - from the resin and the cones to the bark and needles.
Broth young branches are used for arthritis and rheumatism.Essential oil of spruce - a powerful anti-fungal agent.And immature cones, brewed with water or milk - a source of vitamin C. It is known fir and its bioenergy.Walking through the coniferous forest to show people after stress, serious illness, surges or simply to improve mood.
Siberian spruce - is not just a beautiful and majestic tree, common in most parts of Russia.For the industry - a source of timber for medicine - an antiseptic and a high quality essential oil.But for the average person - aromatherapy, stress management and good mood.
