Herb: Sacred Fir


Latin name: Abies religiosa


Synonyms: Abies hirtella, Pinus religiosa


Family: Pinaceae (Pine Family)



Medicinal use of Sacred Fir:

Balsamic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
40 m
(131 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Mountains of N.W. Mexico at elevations of 2400 - 3000 metres.

Other uses of Sacred Fir:

An oleo-resin is obtained from the tree (probably from the trunk). It is balsamic and is used in medicines and in paints. Wood - light, soft, not very durable. Used for pulp, construction, furniture etc.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow early February in a greenhouse or outdoors in March. Germination is often poor, usually taking about 6 - 8 weeks. Stratification is said to produce a more even germination so it is probably best to sow the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. The seed remains viable for up to 5 years if it is well stored. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in pots. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it is possible to sow in an outdoor seedbed. One report says that it is best to grow the seedlings on in the shade at a density of about 550 plants per square metre whilst another report says that they are best grown on in a sunny position.

Cultivation of Sacred Fir:

Mountains of N.W. Mexico at elevations of 2400 - 3000 metres.

Known hazards of Abies religiosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.