Sicilian Fir

Todd Sain Sr.

2 years ago

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Sicilian Fir, Abies nebrodensis — Source: https://rb.gy/m3d83 Photo: lorca56 CCL: https://rb.gy/kkldo

Sicilian Fir Facts

This majestic example of botanical beauty is most typically referred to by the obviously informative common name of the Sicilian Fir. For the moment, the flora has no other broadly accepted general title. Though unusual for a tree, that’s certainly not unknown.
The term by which it’s likely better known among scientists, however, is quite different. Thankfully, though, it’s a comparatively easy name for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this marvel of evolution presenttly holds the formal title of Abies nebrodensis.
It owes that moniker to the combined efforts of two highly respected individuals. The Italian botanist, Michele Lojacono, began the work, and her countryman, Giovanni Ettore Mattei, completed it. Between them, they recorded its first recognition as a separate species.
Sadly, the remarkable Sicilian Fir now finds itself in a dire predicament. Its population base, always limited, has now plummeted precipitously. Only 25 mature examples remain. Due to this fact, the IUCN now lists the beautiful tree as Critically Endangered on its Red List.
The primary cause of its near disappearance stems directly from the actions of humans. That’s true since this plunge in population occurred due to deforestation of its habitat. Because of its tiny population, it’s also now especially vulnerable to the danger of ongoing climate change.

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Sicilian Fir Physical Description

When viewed by those individuals fortunate enough to encounter it, the fabulous Sicilian Fir typically captures their instant attention. It does so, however, principally due to a combination of its own appearance and how it stands out amid its surroundings. It’s another of Nature’s wonders.

In terms of sheer size, though, it only ranks as approximately average-sized among the members of its Class. The mature specimens still in existence range in height from 49.2 – 82 ft (15- 25 m). For the present moment, no known records of the amazing tree ever exceeding this measurement exist.

Given its height, the width of the trunk remains comparatively impressive in relation. This part of the lovely Gymnosperm attains an average diameter equaling 3.3 ft (1 m) at what science calls the breast height. Taken at 4.5 ft (1.37 m) above ground, that’s a standard reference for botanists.

This aspect of the Tracheophyte holds its own distinctiveness. It displays a light gray color across its length. Though smooth when young, this slowly becomes scaly with age. At full maturity, this also becomes furrowed, most especially at or near the base of the fascinating natural wonder.

The leaves of the gorgeous Sicilian Fir also fully merit note. Like most of its kin, its foliage develop as needle-like structures. Flattened in shape, these average about 0.6 – 1.0 in (1.5 – 2.5 cm) in length. The surface shows a glossy dark green, with two greenish-white bands present on the underside.

The seed cones it produces reach typical lengths equaling approximately 4 – 6.4 in (10 – 16 cm) in length. Their width, meanwhile, averages about 1.6 in (4 cm). Each of these typically presents around 150 scales. Typically winged in design, the seeds range in size from 0.32 – 0.4 in (0.8 – 1.0 cm).

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophytes
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Abies
Species: A. nebrodensis

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Sicilian Fir Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The mesmerizing Sicilian Fir evolved as native to a region of the globe renowned for its numerous natural marvels. That includes both geological, and, as in this case, botanical. That’s due to the fact that this creation of Nature and evolution developed as endemic to the continent of Europe.

Yet within that greater area, its indigenous zone of habitation actually remains extremely small. The precise location of its presence, however, probably won’t surprise anyone. That’s because, as its name indicates, it’s native to the region of the country of Italy bearing the name of Sicily.

The species also shows decidedly strong preferences in regards to its choice of habitat. It’s a montane flora, evolved for the higher elevations. Presently, it only appears on Mt. Scalone, in the Madonie Mountains. All examples live at altitudes between 4,593 – 5,249 ft (1,400-1,600 m).

Even there, though, this truly remarkable flora only lives in a few very select areas. These consist of dry, steep slopes. Within these locations, it either grows alone in small stands, or scattered in with other trees. The latter specimens mix in with shrubs and other trees, most notably black pine.

The Sicilian Fir evolved as a variety of coniferous evergreen. As such, each tree produces both male and female seed cones. Following the complete ripening of the seeds inside the female cone, the container disintegrates. The exposed seeds then naturally fall to the surrounding terrain.

Replanting programs do currently exist, yet these show only limited success. Heavy grazing by the livestock of local faremrs, combined with the actions of indigenous animals, severely limits new growth. These efforts do continue, though, in an attempt to preserve the amazing species.