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Description
Abies Pinsapo Aurea, also known as Golden Spanish Fir, is a rare and beautiful evergreen tree that belongs to the Pinaceae family. This coniferous tree is native to the southern mountains of Spain and Morocco, where it grows in high-altitude forests. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a narrow conical shape and a dense crown of spreading branches. It has a smooth gray bark that becomes fissured with age. Its needles are short, stiff, and arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches. The tree produces cones that are cylindrical, upright, and up to 20 centimeters long. The Golden Spanish Fir is prized for its striking golden-yellow foliage, which emerges in the spring and lasts throughout the year. The new growth is a bright yellow-green color, which gradually turns into a deep golden-yellow as the plant matures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Abies |
| Species | Abies Pinsapo |
| Variety | Aurea |
Appearance
The Abies Pinsapo Aurea is a stunning evergreen tree that stands out in any landscape. Its narrow conical shape and dense crown of spreading branches make it an ideal choice for a specimen tree. The tree’s foliage is its most striking feature. The new growth in spring is a bright yellow-green color, which gradually changes to a deep golden-yellow as the plant matures. The needles are short, stiff, and arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches. The tree produces cones that are up to 20 centimeters long and are cylindrical and upright. They are initially green but turn brown as they mature.
Care Guide
Water: The Golden Spanish Fir prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Soil: The Abies Pinsapo Aurea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardiness Zones: The Golden Spanish Fir is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Golden Spanish Fir is generally a healthy and hardy tree, but it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Pests: The most common pests that affect the tree are aphids and spider mites. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases: The tree can be susceptible to root rot and needle blight. These can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and good air circulation around the tree.
Habitat
The Abies Pinsapo Aurea is native to the southern mountains of Spain and Morocco, where it grows in high-altitude forests. It prefers well-draining soil and a cool, moist climate.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth rate of the Golden Spanish Fir? A: The tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing 6 to 12 inches per year. Q: Can the tree tolerate drought? A: The Golden Spanish Fir prefers moist soil and is not drought-tolerant. Q: Does the tree require pruning? A: The tree does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or remove dead or damaged branches. Q: Can the tree be grown in containers? A: The Golden Spanish Fir can be grown in containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
Other species of Abies include:
- Abies alba (European silver fir)
- Abies balsamea (Balsam fir)
- Abies concolor (White fir)
- Abies fraseri (Fraser fir)
References
- “Abies Pinsapo Aurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280008.
- “Abies Pinsapo Aurea.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16795/i-Abies-pinsapo-i-Aurea/Details.
- “Golden Spanish Fir.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/golden-spanish-fir-3269134.
