Orienteering at school for ages 13-15, Chapter 39: ORIENTEERING IN THE SPIRIT OF LINNAEUS

ORIENTEERING IN THE SPIRIT OF LINNAEUS

Systema naturae

Systema Naturae is a book written by Carl Linnaeus, and the first draft was published in 1735. In the book Linnaeus describes all species of plants, animals and minerals that he knew. He grouped these species based on observations of the species’ characteristics.

Spruce (Picea abies)

The spruce arrived to Sweden via Finland about 3500 years ago and it is our most common tree (covering 43% of the forest area). The spruce prefers a nutrient-rich moist soil, but is sensitive to dry climate, air pollution and storm. While pine’s root system grows in depth the spruce has a shallow root system which means the spruce is very sensitive to storm damage. The spruce is felled normally at 70-150 years. It will be the tallest tree in our forest and can grow to over 50 m high with a perimeter of 5 metres. The timber can be used for many purposes, primarily as a raw material for paper pulp, buildings and, indeed, the production of artificial silk.

• Sweden has about 25 different kinds of trees. What trees grow on your schoolyard? Visit all 30 controls and check!

• Describe each tree in the same way as the spruce above.

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