Common Name: Sacred Fir

General Information

Abies religiosa is an evergreen tree with a narrow, conical crown; it can grow up to 45 metres tall with a straight, cylindrical bole[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is mainly used locally. The tree has a traditional religious significance to the local people and is used during religious festivals to decorate the churches[]. The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].
This is the most widespread and abundant species of Abies in Mexico; its extent of occurrence and probably its area of occupancy are beyond the thresholds for a threatened category. There is likely to have been some impact from logging but this has not resulted in sufficient reduction to fall within the threatened thresholds. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - Mexico, south to Guatemala

Habitat

Montane forests, often forming large stands; at elevations of 2,400 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	40.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Abies religiosa is a plant ofthe high montane zone in the subtropical and tropical zone of Mexico and Guatemala, being found at elevations up to 4,000 metres or more. The climate is cool, moist oceanic on ranges near the coast, colder with more snow in the interior, with abundant precipitation[]. It is only hardy in the milder regions of the temperate zone, with mature trees toleratingoccasional temperatures down to about -5 to -10°c, but young growth can be damaged by frost[, ].
Prefers a good moist but not water-logged soil[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant, especially when young, but growth is slower in dense shade[]. Intolerant of atmospheric pollution[]. Prefers slightly acid conditions down to a pH of about 5[]. Prefers growing on a north-facing slope[]. Requires a sheltered position, trees are susceptible to wind damage[].
Growth from young trees can be very vigorous, 60cm in their first year has been recorded and 70cm increase in their third year from seed[]. New growth takes place mainly between mid summer to early autumnr[].
Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. This also badly affects root development and wind resistance[].
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly[]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[].
This species has a very special ecological significance, since it serves as the hibernation tree (in a very limited part of its range in south-central Mexico) for many millions of Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) yearly making one of the most spectacular displays in all of nature[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The oleoresin is balsamic[, ].

Other Uses

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 light, indoor construction, furniture, pulp etc[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse or outdoors in early spring[]. 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[].