Cedrus libani
Large evergreen conifer native to the Eastern Mediterranean basin.
Cedrus libani, commonly known as cedar of Lebanon, Lebanon cedar, or Lebanese cedar, is a species of large evergreen conifer in the genus Cedrus, which belongs to the pine family and is native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Known for its longevity, height, and durable wood, it has held profound significance for millennia, featuring in ancient Mesopotamian literature and serving as the national emblem of Lebanon.
- trunk_diameter
- up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
- cone_length
- 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in)
- native_region
- mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin
- national_emblem
- Lebanon
- first_described_by
- French botanist Achille Richard
Lore & Background
Cedrus libani can reach 40 m in height, with a massive monopodial columnar trunk up to 2.5 m in diameter. The rough and scaly bark is dark grey to blackish brown, run through by deep, horizontal fissures. The crown is conical when young, becoming broadly tabular with age. The leaves are needle-like, arranged in spirals and concentrated at the proximal end of long shoots, and in clusters of 15–35 on short shoots; they vary from light green to glaucous green. Cones are borne in autumn, with male cones appearing in early September and female cones in late September. Mature woody cones are 8 to 12 cm long and 3 to 6 cm wide, ovoid or barrel-shaped, and green ripening to grey-brown. The seeds are ovoid, 10 to 14 mm long, attached to a light brown wedge-shaped wing.
Reader's Guide
Cedrus libani has held profound significance for millennia. It features in the Epic of Gilgamesh, where the hero Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu travel to the legendary Cedar Forest. The tree is mentioned several times in the Bible: Hebrew priests were ordered by Moses to use its bark in the treatment of leprosy; Solomon procured cedar timber to build the Temple in Jerusalem; and the prophet Isaiah used it as a metaphor for pride. In a rabbinic legend from the Talmud, the cedar appears symbolically in Yohanan ben Zakkai's meeting with the Roman general Vespasian. Historically, the ancient Phoenicians used cedar wood for shipbuilding and traded cedar trees with Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Anatolians, Iberians, Punics, Sicilians, Romans, and Ancient Iraq. Cultivation dates back at least 3,200 years, when the Hittite Empire established two populations in northern Turkey.
Did You Know?
- The tree features in the Epic of Gilgamesh, where the hero travels to the legendary Cedar Forest.
- The Lebanon cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon and appears on the flag and coat of arms.
- Cultivation of Lebanon cedar dates back at least 3,200 years, when the Hittite Empire established populations in northern Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cedrus libani?
Cedrus libani is a tall, evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the genus Cedrus within the pine family. It goes by several common names, most notably cedar of Lebanon, Lebanon cedar, or Lebanese cedar, and it is one of the most recognizable large conifers in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
What are Cedrus libani's key physical stats?
This species can grow to roughly 40 meters in height with a trunk diameter reaching about 2.5 meters. Its cones are relatively large for a conifer, spanning 8 to 12 centimeters, and the wood is prized for being both hard and remarkably long-lasting.
Where does Cedrus libani originate from?
The cedar of Lebanon is native to the mountain ranges of the Eastern Mediterranean basin, where it has thrived at altitude for thousands of years. It is not a widespread species but is instead tied to specific highland habitats in that region.
Why is Cedrus libani culturally important?
The tree has appeared in ancient Mesopotamian literary works and has long served as the national emblem of Lebanon. Its extraordinary lifespan, impressive stature, and durable timber made it a powerful symbol of endurance throughout Mediterranean history.
Who first formally described Cedrus libani?
The species was scientifically described by French botanist Achille Richard, who placed it within the genus Cedrus. His work established the formal taxonomic identity that modern botany still uses today.
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