Come On

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Come on / Abies / is a genus of 45-55 species of evergreen conifers of the pine family. All are trees, reaching a height of 10-80 m and a trunk diameter of 0.5-4 m. Fir trees differ from other pine trees in that the leaves (needles) are connected to the base by small cups, and by the upright cylindrical cones, which are 5-25 cm long and disintegrate when ripe to release the seeds.

Fir trees are closest to the Cedrus species. The genus Ella has spread to Asia, North Africa, North and Central America, almost everywhere in the mountains.

The most common in our country is the white fir / Abies alba /. It is a tree up to 65 m high, with a highly developed root system. The crown of the white fir is almost cylindrical. The branches are spread horizontally. The leaves are coniferous, incised or pointed at the apex, ridged in two rows, with two silvery stripes below. The leaves on the fruiting branches protrude upwards.

The mature cones of the white fir are erect, located in the axils of the leaves (male and female on different branches). When ripe, they break down flake by flake, so that until next spring only their wasps remain on the tree. The seeds of the white fir are back conical, with a light brown color, equipped with almost 3 times larger rusty-red wing. White fir blooms in spring and the seeds ripen in autumn. The whole plant has a pleasant smell of balm.

White come is distributed in Northern and Southern Europe and the European part of Russia. In Bulgaria it is found in Pirin, Rila, Rhodopes, Eastern and Central Stara Planina, up to 300-1800 m above sea level, most often in northern exposures, where there is constant atmospheric humidity. The plant occupies about 4% of the total area of coniferous plantations in Bulgaria.

Types of fir

The differentiation of the individual species is determined by the size and location of the leaves, the size and shape of the cones, as well as by the size and location of the cones of the cones. Except white come about 40 species are known, many of which are quite similar and only an experienced botanist could distinguish them.

Abies Nordmanniana L k. originates from the Caucasus and Asia Minor. This type of fir reaches a height of 25-30 m. It is less sensitive to late frosts than white fir and is much more beautiful than it. Therefore, Abies Nordmanniana L k. is used more in the decoration of cities.

Abies cephalonica Loud or Greek fir, as its name suggests, originates from Greece. The tree reaches a height of 20 m. This fir is more resistant to drought and prefers warmer calcareous soils, but also grows well in humid atmospheres and more temperate climates. The Greek come is a wonderful park tree.

Abies pinsapo Boiss originates from Spain. This species reaches 20 m in height and has a wide pyramidal crown. Abies pinsapo Boiss has a particularly decorative effect in gardens. In Bulgaria it can grow only in the warmer regions of the country. It can be seen in Stara Zagora, Belovo Burgas. It is widely used in southern Bulgaria and the Black Sea coast.

Abies concolor is native to North America. It is one of the most impressive firs. The tree stands out with its grayish-white bark and gray leaves. Apart from being beautiful, this species is also very durable. Abies concolor tolerates drought and low winter temperatures well. It has fast growth and does not tolerate shading. It withstands more than all other firs of urban soot and smoke.

The homeland of Abies grandis Ldl. is North America. This species is very close to Abies concolor, but requires more atmospheric and soil moisture. It grows rapidly, reaching 60 m in height. Abies grandis Ldl. is a suitable species for planting in gardens.

Abies balsamea Mill. also native to North America. It has weaker growth, reaching 15-25 m in height. Grows well in high humidity.

Abies nobilis Ldl. originates from North America. In its homeland it reaches more than 60 m in height. It has a majestic view and a beautiful gray color of the leaves.

Composition of fir

All white come contains resin, which contains essential oil, abietic acid, succinic acid, bitter and dye substances, etc.

The twigs contain essential oil. The composition of the essential oil includes santene, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, lemon, odyme, p-cymol, bornyl acetate, lauraldehyde, decylaldehyde, sesquiterpenes and others.

The leaves (needles) contain catechin tannins, tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin C and others. Fir seeds contain essential oil, which includes lemon, 1-alpha-pinene and others. They also contain fatty oil.

Growing fir

Come on grows on moist, nutritious, rich in humus and deep soil. It does not grow well on dry, sandy, heavy, unventilated, clayey or calcareous soils, as well as on very wet, muddy soils. It needs more air humidity. The humid mountain or sea climate also reflects best.

Young plants, as well as young twigs in some species are sensitive to late frosts. For fir, east and south exposure should be avoided, with north and west exposure being preferred. Fir trees reach their normal development only in the open, but can tolerate partial shade or under light shade of tall trees. Most of them do not tolerate polluted and smoky air, so it is difficult to grow in large dusty cities.

Fir trees are propagated by seeds, grafts and cuttings. They are sown outdoors, and the young plants are shaded in summer. The resulting seedlings are dipped at one or two years of age. It is necessary not to plant them in a permanent place before their fourth year. Better and more interesting species such as A. amabilis, A. arisonica, A. cephalonica, A. cilicica, A. nobilis, A. pinsapo can be placed in a cold greenhouse.

Varieties with different colored leaves and shapes are grafted on A. alba, and long-needle forms - on A. Nordmanniana. It is transplanted by lateral contact under glass or by a simple split at the top in April and May outdoors. The pads are prepared in advance in pots. Top twigs are always taken for cuttings. The low forms are bred mainly by cuttings, which are made in early autumn in boxes and then transferred to a flower shop.

Benefits of fir

White come is a traditional medicine in Bulgarian folk medicine. It has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and expectorant action. Fir leaves are used in folk medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, cystitis, white flow, ulcers and colic.

The extract from the branches and cones of white come is used prophylactically against beriberi. In the past, white fir decoction was an indispensable remedy for scurvy. The maximum content of ascorbic acid in the branches of white fir is in April. In folk medicine, a decoction of young branches of white fir is taken in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

Extremely useful is the essential oil of white fir, which is contained not only in the branches and needles, but also in the bark of the tree. White fir essential oil is necessary for the synthesis of camphor - a substance with a very wide application in medicine. Camphor is used as a stimulant of the nervous system, as a stimulator of heart and respiratory activity. It is indispensable in shock, cardiovascular failure, sleeping pills or narcotics.

In the period of acute rheumatic pain, rubbing with white essential oil is prescribed come. It is done until there is improvement. The essential oil is also used for refreshing baths, it is also part of the preparations used against hair loss. White fir oil retains its healing properties for a year. However, as it oxidizes to air, it must be stored in a dark glass container.

Folk medicine with fir

The fresh twigs, needles and seeds of the fir are used in our folk medicine for respiratory diseases and exhausted organisms after illness. Prepare a syrup from them as follows: Cut the twigs and needles of fir and boil them together with sugar into syrup. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.