When did the oldest pollen assignable to the genus Fir appear in Siberia?
The oldest pollen assignable to the genus dates to the Late Cretaceous period. This evidence establishes a deep geological history for the group.
Questions about Fir
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How tall do Fir trees grow and what is their leaf attachment method?
Fir trees are tall, often reaching 40 to 60 metres high with some specimens approaching 100 metres. Their needle-like leaves attach singly to branches with a circular base that sits in a small pit on the twig.
Where does Abies sibirica grow naturally across the Northern Hemisphere?
Abies sibirica reaches as far north as 67°N in Siberia while other species like A. guatemalensis grow as far south as 15°N in Central America. Most species favor cold climates at altitude or high latitude within North America and Eurasia.
Who set up the genus Abies and how many species does Plants of the World Online currently accept?
Philip Miller set up the genus Abies in 1754. Plants of the World Online currently accepts 49 species based on Stull et al. 2021 analysis.
What ecological role do Abies religiosa trees play regarding monarch butterflies?
Abies religiosa trees give roosting shelter to overwintering monarch butterflies. These trees host a variety of invertebrate pests including adelgid bugs and aphids while diseases include annosus root rot and cankers.