Introduction to African Larch: History and Uniqueness
The African larch (Tetraclinis articulata), also known as Cartagena cypress, articulated yours, to scratch o sandarak, is a very exclusive conifer of the genus Tetraclinis, the only representative of the Cupresaceae family in the western Mediterranean. Its natural range extends mainly across North Africa (especially Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), the island of Malta, and small relict populations in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula (Cartagena and Murcia) and Melilla.
It is a tree of great botanical and ecological interest, known for its ability to adapt to dry climates, its aromatic wood, and its resin, valued since ancient times in both crafts and traditional medicine. It is associated with numerous popular names due to its unique characteristics and confusion with species from other, more well-known genera.
Botanical characteristics and morphology
The African larch is a small to medium-sized tree, commonly between 5 and 10 metres tall, although in optimal conditions it can exceptionally reach XNUMX metres. 15-16 meters. On straight trunk It is usually robust and has striated, grayish or grayish-brown bark, often sloping in older specimens and with a large diameter relative to the species. The crown is sparse, ovate or conical in shape, allowing light to pass through and promoting a clear undergrowth.
The articulated branches and compressed, they exhibit a characteristic fragility, hence the epithet "articulata." The leaves are persistent, tiny (1 to 10 mm), flat, scale-like, dark green, arranged in groups of four and attached to the twigs, forming whorls that give it a very distinctive, imbricated, scaly appearance.
Presents monoecious flowers, which means that a single plant produces both male and female flowers, usually at the ends of the branches. The male cones are elongated, 8 to 10 mm, and carry abundant pollen; the female cones are larger, globose, and whitish, formed by four scales ending in a small, twisted point.
The fruit is a woody pine cone similar to the strobila, globular in shape and ashy brown in color, with four triangular scales protecting one or two winged seeds. These seeds, ready to disperse in late summer or early autumn, facilitate their natural spread through the wind. wood shavings They can also be a resource to maintain soil moisture in your crop.
Natural habitat and geographic distribution
El main habitat The African larch prefers dry slopes, hills, ravines, and semi-desert areas, where other forest species often struggle to thrive. shallow, stony and lime-rich, tolerating conditions of water and nutrient scarcity better than the vast majority of conifers.
Its resilience and hardiness have allowed it to survive in areas where human pressure and climate change have reduced its original distribution, but it can still be seen colonizing abandoned crops, coastal dunes (where it helps anchor the soil), and arid edges of Mediterranean forests. Although its range is limited today, archaeological records and fossil studies show that it once had a much larger presence, especially around the western Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula, where it has left its mark even in archaeological excavations such as those of the Argar civilization in Almería. Ideas for placing a wooden staircase They can complement spaces where larch is grown.
Growing and Care: Complete Guide
Growing and caring for African larch It requires understanding its particular characteristics and taking advantage of its hardiness. It is a species suitable for xerophytic gardening, sustainable reforestation, and environmental restoration projects in warm climates and calcareous soils.
- Location: Prefers one sunny exposure and open spaces. Although it tolerates partial shade in its youth, it needs direct light to develop fully.
- Climate: Ideal for warm, dry climates with mild winters. It is resistant to drought and high temperatures, but can be damaged by intense frosts and prolonged.
- Land: Although it supports various types of substrate, its preferred one is light, calcareous, stony and well-drainedIt tolerates poor and shallow soils, avoiding only waterlogging.
- Irrigation: It is one of the most coniferous trees drought resistantOnce established, it hardly needs any supplemental watering, except in periods of extreme and prolonged drought, especially in the first few years after planting.
- Pruning and maintenance: It does not require frequent pruning, other than removing dry or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in late winter to minimize the risk of disease.
- Subscriber: It is not demanding in terms of fertilization. It can benefit from a layer of mature compost in spring after the first year of planting, but it is not essential.
- Multiplication: The easier propagation It is carried out by seeds, which can be collected and sown in autumn. To improve the germination rate, it is advisable Soak the seeds in water for 8 to 24 hours before sowing. It can also be propagated by grafting onto Thuja or Cupressus.
Pests, diseases and prevention
Generally, the African larch shows a remarkable resistance to pests and diseasesHowever, in environments that are excessively humid or have poor air circulation, fungi can develop on roots and trunks. Ventilation and adequate soil drainage are essential to prevent root rot.
Occasionally, young seedlings can be affected by mealybugs or aphids, especially if they are weakened by transplanting or overwatering. Regular monitoring and the use of preventative organic treatments (potassium soap, neem oil) are sufficient in most cases.
Uses of African larch in medicine, crafts and gardening
The African larch is highly valued for its its wood as for the sandarac resin that flows from its bark and young branches. Its fine-grained, aromatic, durable, and polishable wood has been used since ancient times in luxury cabinetmaking, marquetry, and the making of chests and crafts, especially renowned in Agadir and the Maghreb. Furthermore, the scented wood was traditionally used as a natural repellent and in the manufacture of specialty paper. The type of wood that best resists rain It is among the most preferred for conservation.
La sandarac resin It has a balsamic scent and is used in the production of high-quality varnishes, dental cements, and ointments. In traditional medicine, it has been used as an antihemorrhoidal, emmenagogue, and expectorant, although with fewer uses than its relative, the juniper. It was prepared in infusions for lung and kidney problems, and in local plasters to relieve hemorrhoids and skin conditions.
In North African folk culture, the use of branches for medicinal infusions is still present, and street vendors continue to operate in traditional markets. In gardening, its resilience, longevity, and ability to form dense hedges from the base make it a valuable species for hedges, windbreaks, and alignments in spaces where other species would fail.
Ecological importance and role in reforestation
The African larch plays a fundamental role as a pioneer species in the regeneration of degraded and arid areas. It excels in the fixation of dunes and the recovery of eroded soils due to their ability to grow in adverse conditions and regrow after felling. The wooden benches that are used in reforestation should be considered for areas where this species is grown.
Its use is promoted in recent reforestations, especially in the Iberian southeast and Melilla, where ecological associations highlight its value for combat desertification and adapt to the consequences of climate change. The species tolerates water shortages very well, germinates easily, and contributes to local biodiversity. African larch plantations promote landscape restoration and the protection of natural areas, displacing the use of exotic species of lower ecological value.
Flowering, fruiting and life cycle
The flowering of the African larch covers the autumn and winter, varying slightly depending on geographic location and climatic conditions. During this period, both male and female flowers can be seen on the same tree, favoring wind pollination.
Fruiting occurs during spring and summer, when the cones ripen and release their winged seeds, which the wind disperses, promoting natural regeneration. This cycle helps the species colonize open spaces and soils depleted by logging or fires, ensuring its persistence in harsh environments.
Additional recommendations for home cultivation
for those who wish Growing African larch in home gardens, It is advisable:
- Choose a location with good sun exposure and sufficient space for root development.
- Avoid excessively compact or wet soils.
- Protect young plants from severe frost by mulching or providing temporary cover.
- Combine it with other drought-adapted Mediterranean species to create sustainable, low-maintenance gardens.
- Maintain the distance between plants to avoid root competition and ensure healthy growth.
Taxonomic, cultural and etymological peculiarities
The unique nature of the African larch has led to some confusion in its common nomenclature. Although it is called cypress, juniper, or thuja, it actually belongs to a independent genre represented by a single species. Its closest relative worldwide is the genus Callitris, typical of Australia.
The name "araar" comes from North African dialects of Arabic and is believed to have been borrowed from Berber words used for the forests in the area. The term "Tetraclinis" refers to the "four beds" or "tiers," referring to the four scales of the fruiting cone; "articulata" refers to the jointed appearance of its branches. The most expensive tree in the world and agarwood They are related to the importance of wood in its use.
In Amazigh (Berber) and Maghrebi culture, the tree is closely linked to daily life, traditional medicine, and crafts. On the island of Malta, it is considered the "national tree," and in Murcia and Cartagena, it is a protected species, a botanical relic of a wetter, forested past in the Mediterranean.
The African larch stands out for its extreme adaptation, a wide variety of useful applications, and a central role in Mediterranean and North African culture and landscapes. Cultivating and protecting this tree is not only an aesthetic or practical commitment, but also a tribute to biodiversity and the living history of the Mediterranean ecosystem.