cedro

Cedro is the Spanish common name for the trees of the genus Cedrus, a group of evergreen conifers in the pine family (Pinaceae). There are three living species: Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar), Cedrus deodara (deodar cedar), and Cedrus libani (Lebanon cedar).

Three living species are native to Eurasian mountain forests. Cedrus atlantica occurs in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria; Cedrus deodara is native to the western Himalayas; Cedrus libani inhabits the mountains of Lebanon, Syria, and adjacent Turkey. They are adapted to montane forest habitats and are long-lived trees that can form large, broad crowns.

Description: Cedars are large evergreen trees with needle-like leaves arranged in dense bundles on short shoots. The foliage is dark green to bluish-green, and they produce barrel-shaped cones that disintegrate to release winged seeds.

Growth and cultivation: Cedars are slow-growing, long-lived trees that prefer cool, moist soils and good drainage. Deodara tolerates somewhat warmer climates than the other two. They are widely cultivated as ornamental trees and have historically been valued for timber.

Uses: Cedar wood is durable, aromatic, and resistant to insects, making it suitable for furniture, chests, and construction. Cedarwood oil is used in perfumery and aromatherapy, among other applications.

Culture and symbolism: The Cedar of Lebanon has long been a symbol associated with Lebanon and appears in historical and cultural contexts, including national emblems and symbolism.

Conservation: Native populations have declined in some areas due to logging and habitat change. Some Cedrus species are considered threatened in their native ranges, though cultivated trees remain common in cultivation and landscapes.

Etymology: The word cedro derives from Latin cedrus, from Greek kedrós.