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Yakov Pavlovich
Professor, Head of the Department of Vegetable Growing
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Trees are a form of plants that consist of a trunk, a crown with foliage, and a root system. In Russia, as of 2015, there were approximately 640 billion of them. At the same time, there are many types of trees that differ in appearance, shape and ability to bear fruit.
What trees grow in the forest
What trees grow in coniferous and mixed forests is a question that worries many. In Russian coniferous forests, which occupy up to 70% of the country's area, low temperatures and high humidity are observed. Therefore, the main representatives here are spruce, pine, and larch. In the broad-leaved forests that stretch from the western part of the country to the Ural Mountains, oak, maple, and linden grow. In the mixed forests of Russia you can find all types of trees: poplar, pine, spruce, linden, oak, elm shrub.
Tree with a spreading crown in the park
For your information! Trees in mixed forests are considered long-lived.
Types of trees
All trees are divided into coniferous and deciduous. Different representatives of conifers have the following characteristics:
- are considered evergreen, grow in central Russia in moderately humid areas;
- most often found in the northern regions of the country;
- have one trunk from which side branches extend;
- have leaves that look like needles;
- The fruits of coniferous plants are cones, in which subsequent seeds are formed.
Important! Coniferous species are considered the longest-living in the world, their average values reach 500 years.
The height level varies at around 50 m. Deciduous trees in the Moscow region and other environs of Russia, by evolutionary standards, formed later than conifers. Deciduous trees can be found in mixed forests. The following types of trees are classified:
- small-leaved;
- broadleaf;
- evergreen;
- deciduous.
Such plants have a shorter lifespan, on average up to 200 years. Their sizes vary within 35 m.
Characteristics of tree species
Let's see what basic characteristics most types of trees have in common. One of the main characteristics to consider when distinguishing trees from other types of plants is that their woody or woody trunks, while thinner and more delicate than green plants, are harder and thicker.
Many shrubs also have trunks with these characteristics, in many cases it is difficult to distinguish large bushes from small trees. In these cases, observing the branches of plants will help us a lot. If they were really coming from the ground, we might end up in front of the bushes. On the other hand, if a branch starts to appear at a certain height above the ground, it is most likely a tree because its trunk is woody.
Trees are plants of different sizes, the height of which can be from a few meters to real giants of more than 100 meters. Other characteristics of trees can be seen in different parts of them. They all share the basic parts of a tree, including roots, crown, trunk, branches and leaves.
Roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients. Trunks and branches are responsible for providing structure and support to the rest of the soil above, as well as transporting substances through them, leaves carry out photosynthesis, thus producing nutrition from the sun and air, as well as elements absorbed by the roots. A canopy, on the other hand, is the entire upper part of a tree's leaves and branches and its plant canopy. Shades the rest of the tree and provides better breathability.
Deciduous trees of Russia
Deciduous trees - types and life expectancy
Deciduous forest trees include linden, birch, oak, and elm. Such vegetation is found in mixed forests throughout Russia.
Linden
Linden belongs to the deciduous group of plants.
Big linden tree in the middle of a field
Geographically, it grows in the European part of the country. The height indicators reach 40 m. The crown of the linden tree has a spherical shape; its diameter can increase up to 20 m. This gives the tree majesty. The leaves are arranged on long petioles in an alternate order. The leaf blade has a jagged structure and a yellow tint. Linden blossoms begin in early July and last up to two weeks.
Note! Linden fruits, flowers, leaves and bark are widely used in folk medicine and cosmetology. Healing decoctions and infusions are prepared on their basis.
Oak
Oak belongs to the Beech subspecies. It grows in the Eastern European part of Russia. The plant is impressive in size. Its length reaches 60 m, and the width of the trunk remains at around 2 m. The oak has a spherical crown, making it majestic and wide. The bark of the tree has a gray tint, and as it develops it turns black. Average life expectancy is 500 years.
Oak is distinguished by its taproot system, its leaves have different rounded edges and alternate arrangement.
Important! The tree begins to bloom in the 40th year of life at the end of spring. Oak fruits - acorns - appear in early to mid-September.
Elm
Elms are deciduous trees, growing wild, reaching a height of 30-40 m. At the same time, the width of the trunk increases to 2 m as it grows. Sometimes elms are found in the form of shrubs. The crown of the plant most often has a cylindrical shape, but sometimes it is also spherical. Elm lives up to 120 years. In history, cases of his life expectancy of up to 400 years have been recorded.
Birch
Birch grows in the northern and central latitudes of the country. This plant is suitable for growing in summer cottages. Birch grows up to 40 m in height and lives up to 150 years. The leaf shape of the plant is round with jagged edges. Inflorescences in the form of flattened earrings. Birch is not picky about growing conditions, so you can use sand, clay, and stones for planting it.
Lonely birch tree in the center of a green field
Note! In spring and summer, the plant produces juice, which is widely used in folk medicine. Based on the leaves and buds of birch, various decoctions and infusions are made that help cope with many diseases. The wood of the plant is used to make plywood and wooden toys.
Wood parts
You could say that the root is a bit like the root of a tree. However, rooting has more functions than just anchoring the tree to the ground. For example, they are responsible for absorbing water necessary for tree life. The roots can be several meters deep and wide. In some cases, they can spread from underground.
Trees also have many roots: the size of the root system is usually the same as the portion of the tree above ground. This is necessary because the root helps support the tree. Besides preventing trees from falling, the main function of roots is to collect water and nutrients from the soil and store them when there is not much available.
The canopy consists of leaves and branches at the top of the tree. The canopy shades the roots, collects energy from the sun (photosynthesis), and allows the tree to remove excess water to keep it cool (sweat, similar to animal sweat). Canopies come in different shapes and sizes.
The bark is the structure that supports the tree's crown. The bark is responsible for protecting the sap circulating in it. In addition, using the trunk, you can find out the age of the tree, which depends on the number of annual rings inside.
The buds originate at the end of the trunk, where the leaves of the tree are located. Branches and leaves form the so-called canopy. They exist in branches. The shoots can grow into new branches, flowers, fruits or leaves.
Coniferous trees of Russia
Coniferous species include evergreen plant types: spruce, cedar, pine, larch. These are Russian trees that have needle-shaped leaves and cone-shaped fruits.
Spruce
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Norway spruce can be found throughout the Russian Federation. Its average height reaches 35 m. However, there are plants higher, up to 50 m. The spruce has a cone-shaped crown, which begins almost at its base. The trunk of the plant has an average thickness of up to 1.3 m. Spruce grows in coniferous forests for up to 300 years. Hares feed on spruce cones; during the flowering period, they begin to dance around the trunk and collect fallen seeds. Spruce is considered the main attribute of the New Year holidays; in winter, its fluffy branches are covered with frost and snow.
The tree is characterized by flattened needles, the length of which varies within 4 cm. Their shade is green. If the spruce grows in open areas, then its branching begins almost at the base.
Important! If the tree is located in closed forests, then the crown occupies the upper part of the plant, and its trunk becomes bare.
Pine
The Pine family is considered the longest-lived among conifers (up to 800 years). The length of the pine reaches 50 m in height, the width of the trunk is up to 1 m. Branching begins at a distance of 2 m from the base of the tree. Pine is distinguished by its gray bark, which is covered with characteristic cracks. The crown has the shape of a pyramid. On the branches there are bunches of needles, each of them up to 15 cm in length. Birds feed on seeds in winter and summer; to obtain prey, birds must quiet down and carefully make their way to the intended target.
Pine is often used in folk medicine. Its unopened buds contain a large amount of vitamins, essential oils and tannin. These elements help cope with many chronic diseases.
Cedar
Cedar is an evergreen plant that reaches 40 m in height. The width of its trunk is up to 2 m. On average, cedar lives about 500 years.
The crown of the tree has a multi-vertex shape. Needles up to 16 cm long grow on the branches. Cedar cones are ovoid in shape, their length reaches 13 cm. Each cone contains up to 140 cedar fruits. Birds feed on the leftover seeds. They store them for the winter to survive frosts. People also store cedar fruits. They help cope with many diseases. To do this, they take a branch so that it twitches, swing it a little and collect the fruits that have fallen to the ground.
Larch
Larch is a tree that can be found in the Urals and in temperate continental regions of the country.
Ripe fruits on larch branches
Plant height 50 m, crown shape cone-shaped. Young larch has smooth bark, while mature larch has cracks on it. The average lifespan of a plant is 500 years. Larch needles have a gray coating and grow in bunches on small branches.
Valuable wood species
Valuable breeds have a wider purpose than ordinary ones. They have an interesting, beautiful texture, a wide range of colors, original patterns, and high density. The color range of wood is used by building designers to create decorative interior items. Valuable rocks are much more expensive than construction rocks due to the listed artistic qualities.
A rare and valuable species of wood is boxwood, which has a pleasant yellow-gray wood color. It has great strength, which can be compared to the strength of bone. Wooden parts of musical instruments, engraving boards, carvings, and buttons are made from boxwood. Engraving on boxwood turns out elegant and smooth, which has a positive effect on its quality.
In the distant 18th century, wood began to be imported to Russia from distant subtropical countries. The height of fashion was furniture made from mahogany mahogany, and the work was carried out by master cabinetmakers. The chambers of the royal palaces, and later the homes of the rich nobility, were furnished with such furniture. Mahogany wood has white sapwood and a contrasting red-brown core, which creates a very interesting combination and fertile ground for the manifestation of the artistic imagination of craftsmen.
Equally popular was black ebony, which had white sapwood and a glossy black core. These colors of wood created a unique artistic contrast, which greatly attracted master artists who made souvenirs and all kinds of decorative items. It was also used to produce piano keys, woodwind instruments, and inlays. The density of wood is 1000 kg per 1 cubic meter.
Valuable breeds also include domestic breeds. These are walnut, ash, oak, alder, cherry and others. The list can be continued with rare tree species growing in remote areas. These are sequoia, eucalyptus, yew, rosewood and others.
All these breeds are used for making interior items, works of art, and designer jewelry, which allows us to fill our lives with positive energy, positive emotions and a sense of peace.
Southern tree varieties
Southern trees are characterized by good resistance to drought and heavy rainfall. These plants grow in regions with hot climates. The list of trees includes poplar, apricot tree, cypress, sumac. They grow in plant nurseries or in summer cottages and suburban areas.
Cypress
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Cypress is a type of evergreen, fast-growing species. Cypress is a perennial tree that grows up to 25 m. The plant can take the form of a bush up to 2 m long. The main growth of cypress occurs in the first years of its life. Then it increases by several centimeters every year. The lifespan of cypress is up to 2000 years. Its trunk can be straight or slightly curved, the bark is smooth, and over time acquires a furrowed structure. The leaves of the plant are scaly.
Important! Cypress is difficult to care for, so it needs to be fertilized periodically and given preventative vaccinations.
Acacia
White acacia is a plant that belongs to the Legume genus and grows in the south. Acacia can be shrubby or woody. The height of the tree is up to 30 m, the width of the trunk is up to 2 m. Acacia has a wide crown that spreads over several meters. The leaves of the tree are long, up to 25 cm, imparipinnate. The fruits of the plant are beans, up to 6 cm long. Each of them contains about 8 seeds. Their ripening begins in mid-late September.
Poplar pyramidal
Pyramid poplar belongs to the Willow family. Its length varies within 40 m, and the width of the trunk reaches 1 m. Poplar has a pyramidal crown, its flowering begins in late April and early March. Average life expectancy is 300 years. Poplar has smooth gray bark and a well-developed root system. Because of this, poplar growth occurs quite quickly. The leaves of the plant are distinguished by a diamond-shaped shape, and its flowers are combined into long catkins.
Ash
Ash is a deciduous tree. Its height can reach 40 m. The shape of the crown is rounded, the branches of the tree are directed upward.
Lone ash tree with a spherical crown
The trunk has a cylindrical shape. Ash leaves form an inflorescence of 10-15 small green leaves. The fruits of the plant, lionfish, grow up to 5 cm. At first they have a green tint, then turn brown. Flowering begins in spring, after a long winter sleep.
Important! Ash is unpretentious to growing conditions, so it can exist even in swampy areas.
Sumac
Staghorn sumac has another name - vinegar tree. This is a plant that belongs to the Sumakhov subspecies. For the first time, the plant, according to the tree encyclopedia, appeared in North America. Sumac is similar in appearance to a palm tree. Its crown is spreading, umbrella-shaped, the leaves are dissected. The trunk has a brown tint. The leaves are distinguished by their red color.
Important! The inflorescences of the tree are purple in color and resemble chestnut in appearance.
Russia is a beautiful country with diverse vegetation. In its expanses you can find coniferous and deciduous trees. Each of them has its own characteristics, size and life expectancy. Many plants are used in folk medicine together with various herbs and cosmetology for the treatment of female and male pathologies. The names of all trees in alphabetical order can be seen in special reference books, where their detailed characteristics are described.
Evergreen deciduous plants
Coniferous or evergreen deciduous trees are also used in the design of homestead areas. Today there are many varieties of trees and shrubs that are capable of decorating a site with their fresh and bright crown throughout the year.
Rhododendron
More than 600 species of rhododendron grow in the world, some of which are deciduous, and some are evergreen. One of the most popular genera is azalea.
Azaleas are heat-loving, require careful care, they need acidic soil and regular fertilizers.
Boxwood
A slow-growing, unpretentious plant that in Russia grows mainly on the Black Sea coast.
One of the most ancient shrubs used for landscaping. Since boxwood easily tolerates pruning, it is well suited for creating hedges and sculptural compositions.
Euonymus
A small tree with an openwork crown and small leaves that turn into bright and unusual colors in autumn
There are also large varieties, the crown width of which can reach 10 m. Dwarf and creeping varieties are often used in decorating areas, effectively entwining fences and hedges.
Unusual and most beautiful trees
Today in the world there are amazing and rare trees that amaze with their colors, shapes and beauty. Many people come to different parts of the world to see them live and take pictures. These include:
Modern trees are divided into deciduous and coniferous species. Certain categories are classified as fruit trees, capable of producing fruits edible for humans. Most of the Siberian forests in Russia are coniferous, but in the central and southern regions deciduous forests predominate.
Source
Types of fruit and ornamental trees
Many trees flower and bear fruit, but only those fruits that people eat as fruits we call fruit trees. Since this is a very unscientific definition, we can find differences in some aspects, for example in the case of trees that produce so-called nuts. they are considered the fruit trees of the kitchen and are separated from them by the fruit industry.
Ornamental trees are trees that have certain characteristics that make them aesthetically pleasing or pleasing to the eye. These are very valuable species that decorate gardens or green spaces, and their diversity suits the tastes of gardening enthusiasts. They are chosen for their size and shape, color or ability to withstand different climates and environments. It is obvious whether the tree is considered decorative or whether it is not excluded from the previous classification.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the types of trees and their characteristics.
