Old Atlas Cedar - MiddleAtlasGuides

 The Atlas Cedar "أرز أطلسي" (Scientific name: Cedrus atlantica) is a type of plant that belongs to the cedar genus within the pine family. Most scientists classify it as an independent species of cedar. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the pine family, characterized by rapid growth, and it thrives at elevations between 1000 and 2200 meters above sea level within the Mediterranean climate range. Its height typically ranges from 30 to 45 meters. It is found in the Atlas Mountains, spanning between Morocco and Algeria, and also in the Rif Mountains in North Africa. Additionally, it provides habitat for numerous living organisms, including the Barbary macaque, and these trees can live for around 1000 years, occasionally reaching up to 3000 years.

1-Description 

The height of the cedar tree ranges between 30 and 45 meters, with a diameter ranging from one to two meters. It is very similar to the Lebanese cedar. Its wood is characterized by its fragrant scent, and it has thick bark and wide branches. Its green needle-like leaves measure between 10-25 millimeters. It is known for its ability to resist diseases and pests by producing alternative shoots in place of infected ones. These trees can live for around 1000 years, occasionally reaching up to 3000 years. Additionally, these trees produce cone-shaped fruits called "كوز الأرز" or cedar cones.

2-Spread

Morocco has the largest area of distribution for the Atlas cedar tree, covering an average of 134,000 hectares of Morocco's total area. This plant grows at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2200 meters above sea level. It is densely distributed in the Atlas Mountains, especially in the Middle Atlas, moderately in the High Atlas, and to a lesser extent in the Anti-Atlas. It also spreads in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, forming pure forests or mixed with other species, especially the evergreen oak.

3-Cedar Tree History 

Near the Moroccan city of Azrou, there is a famous tourist attraction called "أرز ڭورو," which is an ancient cedar tree considered the oldest in the region, dating back around eight centuries. Despite the tree's age and eventual death due to aging, it still stands tall, bearing witness to the rich history of cedar trees in the North African mountains that spans thousands of years.

This tree is named "أرز ڭورو" after General Henry Joseph Eugène Gouraud, a French general who was appointed to this region during the French colonial period in Morocco. The naming story has two versions: one suggests that the tree was named after the general because it resembled him, with a single large branch extending from the tree, much like the general's single arm. The other version suggests that the general enjoyed visiting this tree and seeking shade under it, so it was named in his honor.

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