OYAMEL: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION, USES - BIOLOGY - 2025

The oyamel (Abies religious) 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.

Oyamel (Abies religious). Source: hspauldi

Its common name oyamel, derives from the Nahuatl «oyametl», which means «fir», a 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 to make paper and to make light items, 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.

General characteristics

Morphology

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 present a purplish coloration 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 upon maturity, around 7-9 months after pollination.

Oyamel leaves and fruits. Source: Bodofzt

Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Plantae

- Division: Pinophyta

- Class: Pinopsida

- Order: Pinales

- Family: Pinaceae

- Subfamily: Abietoideae

- Genus: Abies

- Species: Abies religious (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham.

Etymology

- Abies: generic name that comes from the Latin word meaning "fir."

- religious: Latin adjective derived from "sacred" or "religious", due to the arrangement of the branches in the shape of a cross.

Synonymy

- 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

- P. religious (Kunth) Loudon

- Pinus hirtella Kunth

- Father religious Kunth

- P. religious var. minor Parl.

Habitat and distribution

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 of around 1,000 mm.

It develops effectively on soils of volcanic origin, with a high content of organic matter and slightly acidic. It prefers loose soils, well drained, but with good moisture retention, which is why 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, the fir 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.

Trunk of Abies Religiosa. Source: hspauldi

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 belts of oyameles alone or in association with other species in the Federal District, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala.

Applications

Timber

The oyamel wood with smooth grain, soft 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 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 manufacture packaging for food products, such as fish, grains, sugar, among others.

From the bark of the oyamel, a resin called "oyamel turpentine" or "fir oil" is extracted, used in artisan medicine; This product is used in the preparation of balsamic oil or for the manufacture of varnishes.

Decorative

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.

Agroforestry

The forest plantations of oyamel (Abies religious) have multiplied considerably in their place of origin, both commercially and wild. Due to its competition with other species, such as Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and noble fir (Abies procera).

Monarch butterfly sanctuary in oyamel forests. Source:

In Mexico, the oyamel is the only host of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), during the winter from Canada they reach the oyamel 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.

References

1. Religious abies. (2019). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org
2. Fonseca, Rosa María (2018) Los Abies or oyamales. Journal of Scientific Culture Faculty of Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico. Recovered in: revistaciencias.unam.mx
3. Luna Monterrojo, VE (2002). Induction of morphogenetic response in Abies Religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. & Cham. and A. hickelii Flous & Gausen from the Cofre de Perote region, Veracruz. Universidad Veracruzana, Institute of Forest Genetics (Graduate Thesis).
4. Padilla, VJA, García, AF, Hernández, ARG, Ojeda, TP, Cervantes, VJ, & de Pascual Paola, CN (2015). Production of Abies Religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl plant. & Cham. in nursery. CENID-COMEF. Technical Brochure No. 19. ISBN 978-607-37-0554-7.
5. Ramos-Fernández, A., Noa-Carrazana, JC, Martínez-Hernández, Ma. J., Flores-Estévez (2009) Los Oyameles at the Service of Veracruz. Agroentorno Content Magazine. Nº 103. Year 12. Fundación Produce Veracruz.
6. Tivo Fernández, Yamilet and Iglesias Andreu, Lourdes G. (2006) Lungs of Mexico: the oyamel forests. Recovered at: uv.mx