The Cedar of Lebanon is regarded as one of the most famous trees in the world.
Its discernible shape, historical significance, and status as Lebanon’s national emblem make it a compelling tree with a rich lore.
While there are many lists of facts about this marvelous tree, the following are 10 of the least-known facts about Cedrus libani; the Cedar of Lebanon.
#1 It made an appearance in a Harry Potter movie
The famous magical tree that appears in Snape’s flashback in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is actually a 300-year-old Cedar of Lebanon.
The tree, which is nearly 17 meters tall and has a massive distinctive hole in its trunk, is located in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK.
#2 The Cedar of Lebanon was introduced to Britain in the 1600s
374 years ago, Dr. Edward Pocock, who was a prominent British Orientalist and biblical scholar, planted what supposedly became the first Cedar of Lebanon to grow in British soil, in his rectory in Oxfordshire.
It’s also claimed the first Cedrus libani in Britain was actually planted by Queen Elizabeth I during her reign.
#3 It is resilient against diseases and parasites
The Cedar of Lebanon is a tough tree. It can withstand both extremes of the weather scale as well as resist many pests and diseases.
#3 Its shape adapts to its environment
In a forest setting, the Cedar of Lebanon typically grows pointy and straight branches.
On the other hand, in more open and free environments, its majestic foliage covers much more horizontal space.
#4 It doesn’t flower before the age of 30
At around 30 years of age, the cedar tree starts to grow 2-inch-long, winged catkins that usually ripen from August to October.
#5 The Cedar of Lebanon is mentioned in important ancient books
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, there is an episode titled The Forest Journey, in which the King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, sets his eyes on a Lebanese cedar forest, so dense that light can barely penetrate its foliage.
Through the timber of the enormous forest, the powerful king wanted to immortalize his name by erecting a large number of constructions during his lifetime.
Additionally, the word Cedar is mentioned in the Bible, a total of 103 times.
#6 The Cedar of Lebanon helped kick-off the Phoenicians’ trading empire
Before the Phoenicians reached the peak of their trading capabilities, they used to export cedarwood to Egypt for a generous financial return.
The capital they gained from selling the timber greatly contributed to them building their historic international trading network.
That is not to mention that their famous ships were made of the very same cedarwood. So, both literally and metaphorically, the cedar tree carried the Phoenicians to prosperity.
#7 Its pitch can ease toothaches
No wonder the Cedrus libani is Lebanon’s national emblem. It really is a treasure.
#8 Its shade is snake-free
The sawdust of the Cedar of Lebanon contains substances that naturally repel snakes, making the area around its trunk a relatively safe napping haven.
Still, always take precautions whenever you plan to let your guard down in the middle of a forest.
#9 Its timber used to be all over the place
Ancient civilizations, especially Phoenicia, used cedar timber to construct various buildings.
Many old temples and palaces, in addition to boats, furniture, and other objects were cedarwood constructions.
#10 The world will end when there are no Cedar of Lebanon trees left
Going back to the realm of mythology, some fictional texts regard this cedar tree as a sacred “world tree” that will trigger the apocalypse when it goes extinct.
It was said that the empires that cut down cedar trees brought forth their own destruction.
Considering the tree’s importance for the biosphere, this claim may not be entirely mythical.
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