Description
Abies pinsapo (Spanish fir) is a species of fir native to southern Spain and northern Morocco. Related to other species of Mediterranean firs, it is considered the Andalusian National Tree, and is native to the Andalusian mountains.
Abies pinsapo is an evergreen tree growing to 20â??30 m tall, with a conic crown, sometimes becoming irregular with age. The needles are 1.5â??2 cm long, arranged radially all round the shoots, and are strongly glaucous pale blue-green, with broad bands of whitish wax on both sides. The cones are cylindrical, greenish-pink to purple before maturity, and smooth with the bract scales short and not exserted. When mature, they disintegrate to release the winged seeds.
Spanish fir, despite the best conservation and reforestation efforts that have greatly increased its abundance, still has several threats such as fires, urban projects, erosion, excessive visitors and tourists, etc.
Best grown in moderately rich, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Trees tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Trees may grow poorly in heavy clay soils. Trees are native to mountain slopes and generally have better tolerance for hot and dry conditions than many other trees in this genus.