The only Abies species endemic to Africa where it grows in a tiny natural range (less than 1km2). First cultivated in 1861 in France.

A Critically Endangered species, restricted to the Djebel Babor Nature Reserve of Algeria (1,850–2,000m asl). Relatively rare in collections, most likely seen in arboreta.

Monoecious.

Compact and slender, to 20m. Bark dark grey, fissured. Branches diverge interestingly: upright at the top, horizontal mid-way, sweeping down at the base. Foliage spirals round the shoot, neatly parted below but chaotic and crowded above. Needles glaucous green, 1-2cm. Female cones slender (16cm), green tinged purple, turning brown before disintegrating.

Unusually for an Abies species, it thrives on alkaline soils. Tolerates wet, cold and polluted sites, so grows well across a wide variety of sites in Britain and Ireland.

A key component of endemic mixed forests (including Atlas Cedar p. xxx) in Algeria that are home to the Barbary Macaque.

Habitat loss from grazing, wildfires and fuel-wood exploitation.

Ornamental, with hybrids and cultivars available.