The oyamel (Religious abies) Is a large tree belonging to the Pinaceae family, also known as pinabete or acxóyatl. Native to the central and southern mountains of Mexico, and western Guatemala, it is located between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level..
This conifer, which can reach 40-60 meters in height, inhabits temperate, cold and humid forests, in places with steep slopes. Its geographical distribution is very dispersed, so its populations are isolated from each other.
Its common name oyamel, derives from the Nahuatl "oyametl", what does it mean "fir tree", name as it is known in the central region of Mexico. However, its name changes according to each region and indigenous group, being also known as fir, acxóyatl, bansú, guayame, huallame, jalocote, pinabete, pine oyame and xalócotl.
The wood of this forest species is preferably used for the production of paper and for making light articles, such as drawers, drawers or joists. In addition, the resin that the wood exudes has balsamic properties and is a raw material for the production of varnishes, soaps and glues..
Likewise, the morphological characteristics of the species favor its commercialization as a "Christmas tree", becoming a source of foreign exchange for the region. However, its greatest importance is ecologically, since the fir forests are the sanctuary of the monarch butterfly during winter.
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The oyamel is an evergreen conifer with dark and rough bark, 40-50 m high and a firm trunk 2 m in diameter. The acicular and flat leaves are grouped in a spiral, are dark green and 15-35 cm long..
The fruit is a cylindrical cone 10-18 cm long, solitary, with a short almost sessile peduncle, a rounded apex and wedge-shaped scales. The scales have a purplish color when they are immature, later they take on a dark purple color when they mature; and the bracts are purple-green in color.
The oblong or ovoid seeds 10-12 mm long have a broad aileron of brown color and 14-16 mm long. These seeds are released when the cone disintegrates when ripe, around 7-9 months after pollination..
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Pinophyta
- Class: Pinopsida
- Order: Pinales
- Family: Pinaceae
- Subfamily: Abietoideae
- Gender: Abies
- Species: Religious abies (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham.
- Abies: generic name that comes from the Latin word that means "fir tree".
- religious: Latin adjective derived from "sacred" or "religious", due to the arrangement of the branches in the shape of a cross.
- Abies colimensis Rushforth & Narave
- A. glauca Roezl ex Gordon
- A. hirtella (Kunth) Lindl.
- A. tlapalcatuda Roezl
- A. glaucescens Roezl
- Picea glaucescens (Roezl) Gordon
- P. hirtella (Kunth) Loudon
- Religious P. (Kunth) Loudon
- Pinus hirtella Kunth
- Religious P. Kunth
- Religious P. var. minor Parl.
The oyamel is a species adapted to mountain ecosystems, very resistant to low temperatures, but susceptible to hot and dry climates. Its growth is favored by average annual temperatures of 7-15º C and average annual rainfall around 1,000 mm..
It develops effectively on soils of volcanic origin, with a high content of organic matter and slightly acidic. Prefers loose soils, well drained, but with good moisture retention, so it develops on ravines or steep slopes.
It usually forms pure forests or mixtures with other species such as Quercus spp. (Oak), Alnus jorullensis (alder), Cupressus lindleyi (white cedar) and Pinus spp. (Pine tree). In Mexico, oyamel forests are the ideal refuge for monarch butterflies that migrate to the northern hemisphere during the winter.
The oyamel is native to Mexico, and is geographically distributed between 17 ° 30 'to 20 ° 00' north latitude and 97 ° 104 'west longitude. In fact, it is located in areas with a temperate climate, slightly cold, with cool summers, partially humid, and with occasional rains during the summer..
It is located at altitude levels between 2,800 and 3,200 meters above sea level, up to 3,500 meters above sea level. It is common to observe oyamel belts alone or in association with other species in the Federal District, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala.
The oyamel wood with smooth grain, smooth texture and high porosity is used for the manufacture of boxes, drawers and pulp for paper. However, the wood is of low density and not very resistant, so it is not suitable for heavy weight structures..
As sawn wood it is used in the manufacture of frames, doors and joists for transoms and interior ceilings. As well as for the elaboration of poles for public lighting, trusses, sleepers, fences and broomsticks.
On the other hand, light, light wood, devoid of stains or unpleasant odors, favors its use in the manufacture of food packaging. In fact, it is used to make packaging for food products, such as fish, grains, sugar, among others..
A resin called "oyamel turpentine" or "fir oil" is extracted from the bark of the oyamel, used in artisanal medicine; This product is used in the preparation of balsamic oil or for the manufacture of varnishes.
The oyamel is traditionally used as the "Christmas tree" in the Christmas season. In addition, the branches of bright green tones, pleasant aroma and resistant handling, are used to decorate the altars during religious ceremonies..
The forest plantations of oyamel (Religious abies) have multiplied considerably in their place of origin, both commercially and in the wild. Due to its competition with other species, such as Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and noble fir (Abies procera).
In Mexico, the oyamel is the only host for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), during the winter from Canada they reach the fir forests.
In fact, the Special Reserve of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere, located in Michoacán, Mexico, has special ecological conditions for the hibernation of this magnificent lepidopteran..
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