Whispers carried on the breeze seem to emanate from the very needles of this Cedro-do-himalaia. Planted here on November 6 1996 this Cedro-do-himalaia stands as a testament to friendship. This Cedro-do-himalaia marks the twinning of Paços de Ferreira and Sartrouville France.
The Cedro-do-himalaia before you also known as Cedro-deodara or simply Cedro is more than just a tree. Its scientific name Cedrus deodara translates from Sanskrit devadara meaning wood of the gods. Imagine the ancient reverence for this species.
Native to the western Himalayas spanning from Afghanistan to Nepal this Cedro-do-himalaia thrives at altitudes between 1500 and 3200 meters. While it may not always flourish perfectly in Portugal due to the need for a more humid climate this specimen stands tall. It reminds us of nature’s adaptability.
Consider its impressive stature. In its natural habitat the Cedro-do-himalaia can reach heights of 40 to 50 meters sometimes even soaring to 60 meters. Its trunk can measure up to 3 meters in diameter. The Cedro-do-himalaia you see has a conical crown. Level branches and drooping shoots add to its graceful appearance.
Take a closer look at its needles. They are typically 2.5 to 5 cm long occasionally reaching 7 cm. These needles are slender about 1 mm in diameter. You’ll find them individually on macroblasts larger shoots and in dense clusters of 20 to 30 on brachiblasts smaller shoots. The Cedro-do-himalaia needles range in color from bright green to a glaucous blue-green.
Observe the barrel-shaped cones of the Cedro-do-himalaia. They measure 7 to 13 cm in length and 5 to 8 cm in diameter. These cones disintegrate after maturation about 12 months after pollination releasing winged seeds. Male inflorescences measuring 4 to 6 cm long release pollen in the autumn.
This Cedro-do-himalaia adapted well to Lisbon. It prefers full sun or partial shade. The Cedro-do-himalaia tolerates various soil types as long as there is no water accumulation. It can withstand temperatures down to -15°C and it tolerates proximity to the sea.
Historically the Cedro-do-himalaia has been valued for its medicinal properties in its native regions. Its wood is also prized for incense and its resistance to decay. The Cedro-do-himalaia’s natural oils repel insects. This makes it a durable and valuable resource.
So as you stand before this Cedro-do-himalaia remember its journey from the Himalayas to Lisbon. It symbolizes friendship resilience and the enduring power of nature. The Cedro-do-himalaia connects us to distant lands and ancient traditions a living monument in this vibrant city.