Atlas Cedar facts for kids
The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is a tall, cone-shaped tree. It belongs to the cedar family. This amazing tree grows naturally in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Young Atlas Cedars have a neat cone shape. As they get older, their branches spread out more. These trees can grow up to 40 meters (about 130 feet) tall!
The bark of the Atlas Cedar is silvery grey. It has deep cracks, giving it a cool, rugged look. Its leaves are like small needles, about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. They are pointed and usually have four sides. The leaves can be dark green or even a cool blue-green color.
The Atlas Cedar also produces cones. The female cones are shaped like small barrels. They are about 6 to 10 centimeters (2.5 to 4 inches) long. When they are young, they are green. As they get older, they turn brown.
Quick facts for kids Cedrus atlanticaAtlas Cedar |
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| Atlas Cedars near Khénifra, Morocco | |
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C. atlantica
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| Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière
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C. libani subsp. atlantica (Endl.) Batt. & Trab. |
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Images for kids
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Cedrus atlantica foliage and mature female cone
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Male cones beginning to shed pollen
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An old Cedrus atlantica tree in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
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A C. atlantica glauca (Blue Atlas cedar) at the Orland E. White Research Arboretum in Virginia, United States
See also
In Spanish: Cedro del Atlas para niños
