The European yew (Taxus baccata) is not only found in Europe, but also in certain regions of North Africa, including Algeria. Here it reaches the southern limit of its range and can now be found on a stamp from Algeria (see below for details). At first I had overlooked this stamp as “Stamp of the Month December” because I was thinking of a Christmas stamp, but ……
Distribution of the yew tree in Algeria
In Algeria, the yew is mainly found in the Atlas Mountains, particularly at higher altitudes in the Tellatlas. These regions offer the humid and shady microclimate necessary for the yew, which is characterized by fog, rain and a relatively constant temperature. The yew often grows here in mixed forests together with other species such as cedars (Cedrus atlantica), cork oaks (Quercus suber) and Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis). However, the Algerian yew stands are rare and often isolated, as they have been severely pushed back by human intervention such as deforestation and overgrazing. Climatic changes also endanger these marginal populations, as the yew is dependent on constant moisture.
Significance and protection
The yew tree is of ecological and cultural importance in Algeria. It helps to stabilize the sensitive ecosystems in the mountain regions and provides a habitat for many animal and plant species. Historically and culturally, however, there is less evidence in Algeria of the symbolic use of the yew tree as it is known in Europe. Here, the yew tree has always been shrouded in myth. It symbolized immortality, was planted in cemeteries and was considered mystical and dangerous due to its toxicity.
A tree with special characteristics
However, the yew is also highly poisonous: all parts of the plant, except the red seed coat, contain the toxin taxin, which not only protects the yew, but is also used today in cancer medicine. At the same time, the yew is known for its extraordinary longevity – it can live for over 1,000 years – and its extremely dense, elastic wood, which was sought after for bows and weapons in the Middle Ages, but also in the Neolithic Age. For example, “Ötzi”, the famous glacier mummy, carried a bow and tools made of yew wood.
The yew tree in Germany: The refuge of Paterzell
Die Eibe von Balderschwang: 1000-2000 Jahre alt.
The yew tree has also become rare in Germany, but the yew forest of Paterzell in Bavaria is a unique refuge in Europe. Thousands of these ancient trees grow here on 88 hectares and create a very special atmosphere, which I have already experienced for myself. As you wander through this ancient forest, you sense a strange mysticism: the gnarled, bizarrely grown trees seem like silent guardians of a bygone era. The area has been a nature reserve since 1939. Some of the individual trees, such as the Balderschwang yew, are very old.
Stamp of the month data
- Country: Algeria
- Date of issue: 2024-12-31
- Size: 105 x 85 mm
- Colors: multicolored
- Designer: Zineb Salma Bahri
- Printer: Bank of Algeria Printing House
- Format: Stamp block
- Printing: Offset printing
- Postal value: 60 د.ج – Algerian dinar