Fichtelberg about the former composition of the forest. The main tree species of the Hercynian mixed forest of the highlands - the silver fir ("Abies alba"), European beech ("Fagus sylvatica") and Norway spruce ("Picea abies") - occurred in roughly equal proportions of around 30% on the ridgelines. Old church records and forest assessments contain descriptions of the original condition of the forest, showing that the Fichtelberg was covered by mixed forest consisting of the aforementioned tree species. The present dominance of the spruce is primarily a result of human influence. Improper management such as deforestation and high populations of game steadily
Nyssa sylvatica Nyssa sylvatica Nyssa sylvatica, commonly known as Tupelo, Black gum, sour gum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America from the coastal Northeast USA and southern Ontario south to central Florida and eastern Texas, as well as Mexico. "Nyssa sylvatica"'s genus name "(Nyssa)" refers to a Greek water nymph; the species epithet "sylvatica" refers to its woodland habitat. The species' common name tupelo is of Native American origin, coming from the Creek words "ito" ‘tree’ and "opilwa" ‘swamp’; it was in use by the mid-18th century While these trees are often known as simply "tupelo", the fuller