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Description
Aragoa Abietina, also known as the Spanish Fir, is a coniferous tree native to the mountains of southern Spain and northern Morocco. It belongs to the Pinaceae family and is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks. The tree has a pyramidal shape and can grow up to 25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to one meter. It has a bluish-green color and is characterized by its long needles and large cones.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Aragoa |
Appearance
The Aragoa Abietina has a pyramidal shape with a bluish-green color. Its needles can reach up to 4 centimeters in length and are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The cones are large and can grow up to 20 centimeters in length, with a green color when young and turning brown when mature. The bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age.
Care Guide
Water: Aragoa Abietina requires regular watering during the first few years of growth, especially during dry periods. Once established, it can tolerate some drought but still requires some watering during the summer months.
Fertilization: The tree does not require much fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring to help with growth.
Soil: Aragoa Abietina prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic.
Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: Aragoa Abietina is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aragoa Abietina can be susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Spruce spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the needles and cause discoloration and defoliation.
- Adelgids: These sap-sucking insects can cause needle and twig dieback.
- Rust diseases: These fungal diseases can cause yellowing and dropping of needles.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soils and can cause wilting and death of the tree.
Habitat
Aragoa Abietina is native to the mountains of southern Spain and northern Morocco, where it grows in high-altitude forests and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate some drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aragoa Abietina be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Is Aragoa Abietina deer-resistant?
A: No, the tree is not deer-resistant and may require protection from browsing animals.
Q: How fast does Aragoa Abietina grow?
A: The tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically growing up to 30 centimeters per year.
Q: Can Aragoa Abietina be pruned?
A: Yes, the tree can be pruned to help shape it or remove any dead or diseased branches.
Related Plants
- Abies alba (European Silver Fir)
- Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
- Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine)
References
- “Aragoa abietina.” The Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/754/Aragoa-abietina/Details. Accessed 23 June 2021.
- “Aragoa abietina.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292812. Accessed 23 June 2021.
- “Spanish Fir.” USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/araabi/all.html. Accessed 23 June 2021.
