Abies nordmanniana

Caucasian fir or Nordmann fir is in the pine or Pinaceae family and is indigenous to the mountains south and east of the Black Sea, in Turkey, Georgia, the Russian Caucasus, north Armenia and northwest Azerbaijan. It is one of the most important species grown for Christmas trees because of its attractive foliage and long-lasting needles. Its majestic form also makes it popular for use in parks and large gardens.

• Needles are flat, 1.8–3.5 cm long and 2 mm wide, glossy dark green above, and with two blue-white bands of stomata below, giving lighter underside; tips are usually blunt, often slightly notched at the tip, but occasionally can be pointed. They are attached to the twig by a base resembling a small suction cup.
• The species is monoecious. Cones are 10–20 cm long and 4–5 cm broad, cylindric-ovoid, reddish brown to dark brown; they disintegrate when mature to release the seeds.
• Buds are small, ovoid, chestnut brown and resinous; bark is grey-brown, smooth with resin blisters until very old.