Thuja Occidentalis - Western tree of life

Thuja Occidentalis, generally known as the Western tree of life, is an evergreen species that belongs to the family of cypress plants (Cupressaceae). This plant is native to North America and has gained importance due to its diverse use in the garden landscape, medicine and ecological restoration projects.

Botanical characteristics

Thuja Occidentalis is an evergreen conifer tree that can reach a height of up to 20 meters. His needles are like scale, presented and have a characteristic fresh fragrance. The bark is red -brown and flipping in narrow, elongated stripes. The cones of Thuja Occidentalis are small, about 1 centimeter long, brown and contained winged seeds. The growth form of this plant is pyramid -shaped, which makes it a popular choice for hedges and landscape designs.

Ecological meaning

Thuja Occidentalis plays an important role in ecosystems in North America. In the wild, the plant can often be found in damp, swampy areas. Their thick stocks offer protection and nesting opportunities for different bird species. The roots of Thuja Occidentalis contribute to stabilizing bank areas and helping to prevent erosion. The needles and the fallen mulch contribute to humus formation in the soil, which promotes biodiversity. In some regions, the Western tree of life is used in ecological restoration projects to restore damaged ecosystems.

Cultural meaning

Thuja Occidentalis also has a cultural meaning. In traditional medicine, some indigenous peoples use extracts from the plant because of their suspected anti -inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In addition, the Western tree of life is often used in landscape design. His dense, evergreen nature makes him a popular choice for hedges, privacy screen and as an ornamental plant in gardens.