Family: Pinaceae
Abies guatemalensis, commonly known as Guatemalan fir or abeto de Guatemala, is a large evergreen tree native to the mountainous regions of Central America, including Guatemala, southern Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. This evergreen tree can reach heights of 30–40 meters and is characterized by its dense, conical crown and soft, needle-like foliage. The species prefers cool, humid climates and well-drained volcanic soils, often forming mixed forests with other conifers and broadleaf trees. Guatemalan fir plays an important ecological role in its native range, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, and contributing to watershed protection in mountainous landscapes.
Though prized for its timber and ornamental value, Abies guatemalensis is now considered threatened in the wild due to habitat loss, deforestation, and overexploitation. Conservation efforts focus on seed collection, reforestation initiatives, and protecting the remaining forest habitats. The species can be cultivated in suitable climates outside its native range, such as high-elevation tropical gardens, but it requires careful management of soil moisture and temperature. Once the southernmost fir species to flourish, A. guatemalensis has declined dramatically since the 1940s and is currently classified as ‘Endangered’ on the ICUN Red List of Threatened Species. Historically, both the Maya and Spanish utilized this tree for roof shingles, lumber, charcoal, and firewood, and today, whole trees are sometimes harvested as Christmas trees.
Plant Uses:
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Windbreak
- Woodworking
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates (high elevation)
- Environmental versatility (broad elevation range from 1200–3600 m)
- Forms dense thickets, potentially altering native ecosystems
Low Risk Traits:
- Not known to naturalize outside its native range
- No evidence of invasiveness or significant negative impacts in introduced areas
- Slow growth and long time to reproductive maturity (20+ years)
- Low seed viability and short-lived seed bank
- Seeds require cold stratification for germination, limiting natural spread in tropical lowlands
- Requires specific high-altitude conditions, reducing risk of spread in lowland tropical areas
