Larch is the most widespread tree not only in Russia, but all over the world. Larch forests occupy gigantic territories in Siberia and the Far East. The second most common in the country belongs to the birch, which grows even beyond the Arctic Circle.
Larch
Larch belongs to the class of coniferous trees and is divided into several different species, united by the genus "Larch". The most common type of this tree in Russia is Siberian larch, which grows in the east and northeast of the European part of the country, in Eastern and Western Siberia, from the tundra to the Altai mountains. It grows mainly in coniferous forests, consisting of other coniferous trees - Siberian cedar, pine, spruce.
Sometimes only larch forests are found, where there are no other species.
Larch trees are very durable, grow up to 600 years old and are highly resistant to environmental conditions. They are not afraid of frosts, so they grow mainly in the northern parts of the country, they are not afraid of smoke, gas, and a sharply continental climate. These trees withstand well the conditions of large industrial centers with a lot of harmful emissions in the air.
Some larch trees can even grow on permafrost.
Siberian larch is a powerful, tall and wide tree with dark bark and large cones reaching five centimeters in length. Also in Russia, the Daurian larch is widespread - a little lower, slender, with light bark and small cones. The Daurian species grows in areas east of the Yenisei.
Larch wood is prized for its strength, durability, health benefits and its aromatic pine scent. It keeps warm well, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the active cutting down of trees in Siberia, larch is not threatened with extinction - it is one of the most common species of life on Earth.
Birch
Despite the fact that the most common tree in Russia is larch, birch, which also occupies large territories, remains the symbol of the country. Birch grows in almost every corner of Russia, sometimes it grows in places where there are no other trees. This genus is divided into about a hundred species, almost all of them grow on the territory of the country.
Slender, fragile and beautiful birch trees are very hardy, some species grow in permafrost areas and even far beyond the Arctic Circle. In the mountains, they form the last circle of trees. They are completely unpretentious - they can withstand any soil composition, they can tolerate any climate, they are often shade-tolerant, which explains the prevalence of these trees. Birch trees live much less than larches - up to 120 years, and only some species can reach the age of 400 years.
