Pine family, Pinaceae
Origin: the north of Africa (the Atlas Mountains)
Habitat in the original area: mountain forests up to the height 2,200 metres above sea level
Habitus: An evergreen coniferous tree growing to the maximum height of 50 metres, its crown is conical with horizontally directed branches. The brown-grey bark is smooth first, later it cracks.
Leaf: Blue-green needles are about 2.5 centimetres long and grow spirally in bundles.
Bloom, fruit: Female cones are dark green, cylindrical and up to 6 centimetres long; scales protrude from mature cones. Male cones are yellow-brown, cylindrical, up to 5 centimetres long and fall apart on the tree.
Interesting fact: Because of its interesting appearance, it is grown as a solitaire. It has been cultivated into several cultivars, an example being ‘Glauca Pendula’ with dense, drooping branches. For its durability, the wood is often used in building industry and joinery.
