Your basket is empty.
Scientific name: Cedrus libani var. stenocoma (O.Schwartz) Frankis 2001
Synonyms: Cedrus libani subsp. stenocoma (O.Schwartz) Greuter & Burdet, Cedrus libani subsp. stenocoma (O.Schwartz) P.H.Davis, Cedrus libanitica subsp. stenocoma O.Schwartz, Cedrus stenocoma
Common names: Taurus Lebanon cedar, Anatolian cedar
Cedrus libani var. stenocoma has a more narrowly conical habit than the type subspecies, and its leaves are pruinose grey-green, rather than dark green-glaucous. The female cones of var. stenocoma are also said to be more rounded, and not with a depressed top as in var. libani (Debreczy & Rácz 2011). The morphology of var. stenocoma is reportedly intermediate between that of Cedrus libani and Cedrus atlantica, though these species can be difficult to separate. Coode & Cullen (1965) note that the habit of Turkish specimens of Cedrus libani is different to that of plants in the rest of its range. Turkish trees are tall compared to typical specimens, that have a crown wider than it is tall. However, both var. stenocoma and the type subspecies occur in Turkey, and so this difference may be habitat-related. (Coode & Cullen 1965; Farjon 2017).
It is this extra hardiness, however, that makes var. stenocoma so valuable to American horticulture, thriving as it does through much of the Midwest where var. libani fails. Dirr (1998) notes that it has withstood –31ºC; although needle-loss occurred, the trees regenerated. This suggests that it would also be useful in cold, northern parts of Europe (Grimshaw & Bayton 2009).
Turkey, Cilician Taurus Mountains; 1,000-1,800 m.
Red List Category & Criteria: Vulnerable
A continuing decrease in rainfall and an increase in the number of trees showing symptoms of dieback could mean that it could be upgraded to Critically Endangered in the near future. It is currently assessed as Vulnerable.
The trees in Turkey tend to have a more upright habit which may in part be as a result of the common practice of repeatedly cutting branches for fire wood (pers. obs.).
Soils are well drained and usually calcareous; the climate is of cool and moist winters with abundant snow at higher elevations. At lower elevations it is associated with Pinus nigra and Pinus brutia. Commonly associated broadleaved species include: Quercus cerris, Sorbus torminalis, and Prunus ursina.
Historically, the timber was been much used for shipbuilding and for the construction of temples. Despite laws forbidding damage to the cedar trees there is little enforcement; encroachment by housing development is a serious threat to the trees.
The main threats are fire and possibly climate changes. Because of the narrow distribution of this species, one fire has the potential of destroying most, if not the entire population. More recently, research has shown a direct correlation between decreasing annual rainfall and canopy die-back. Debilitated trees have also become prone to insect attack.
Copyright © Aljos Farjon, James E. Eckenwalder, IUCN, Conifers Garden. All rights reserved.
