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Pinus arizonica
Engelm.
Arizona Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus arizonica is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, and is used as a timber tree.
Description
Pinus arizonica is a medium tree, growing typically around 30 m tall with a trunk that grows up to around 1 m wide. It forms a conical, fairly open crown. Branches are thick, descending, with leaves densely clustered around the tips. Needles are stiff, sometimes somewhat drooping, typically 8 to 13 cm in bundles of usually 5, sometimes 4 or 3. They are yellowish or bluish green with variably conspicuous bands (which are stomata) on all sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for 2 to 4 years. Sheaths are typically 1.2 to 2.5 cm long, of which the lower part is persistent. Buds are 1.2 to 2.5 cm long, and are slightly resinous. The bark is reddish or dark brown, broken up into irregular plates. Twigs are purplish to reddish brown, rough from the bases of the leaves; they are hairless and somewhat waxy. Pollen cones are 1.2 to 2.5 cm, yellow. Seed cones are 5 to 10 cm long, egg-shaped and often somewhat asymmetrical, and thick. They are green, ripening to reddish brown. Cones have 75 to 150 scales that are paddle-shaped or rectangular, with the face being diamond-shaped with a short, stout prickle. These cones open widely to release their seeds and fall from the tree. Seeds are typically 3 to 7 mm long, with an easily detachable wing that is typically 12 to 20 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus arizonica, analogous to the related ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), is an important timber tree in Mexico and is used in much the same way: light construction such as windows and doors, and furniture (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
Pinus arizonica is found in dry areas, typically mesas and valleys, at altitudes between 2000 and 2700 m (sometimes higher or lower than that). It may be associated with other pines and trees, or with its own kind. It is distributed in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico south to Durango, and scattered in Coahuila, Zacatecas, and Nuevo León (Eckenwalder 2009; Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus arizonica is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern”. It is common and widespread enough throughout its range. However, it is harvested significantly in some parts of its range for timber, and its population trajectory is unknown and should be studied more closely (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus arizonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42341A2973948.en.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus arizonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42341A2973948.en.
Description
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