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Pinus parviflora
Siebold & Zucc.
Japanese White Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus parviflora is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native to Japan and Ulleungdo of South Korea. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, specifically a bonsai tree.
Description
Pinus parviflora is a small tree that grows up to 25 or 30 m with a trunk that can grow up to 1 or 1.5 m in diameter. The tree forms a conical crown when young that becomes cylindrical and opening up with age. Branches are short, slender and go out horizontally, with needles near the tips. Needles are stiff, slightly curved, typically 4 to 6 cm long in bundles of 2 to 5, but usually 5. They are dark green on the outer side with waxy whitish bands (which are stomata) on the inner sides of the needles, and persist on the tree for 3 to 4 years. The sheaths are about 0.5 to 1.5 cm long and are not persistent. Buds are about 5 mm long and are only slight resinous at most. The bark is dark gray to brown, flaking and scaly, becoming narrowly ridged and furrowed with age. Twigs are yellowish brown, and hairy for only a short time. Male cones are very small, only 5 to 6 mm long, and reddish brown. Seed cones are 6 to 8 cm long, cylindrical when closed, egg-shaped when open, and hanging from a 0.5 cm long stalk. They are green, ripening to yellowish, reddish, or dark brown and have angularly egg-shaped, thin and flexible seeds. These cones stay on the tree after releasing their seeds. Seeds are typically 8 to 10 mm wide, pale to dark brown, with a wing that is about 1.5 times as long as the seed body (Eckenwalder 2009).
The main variety parviflora is mostly found on the Pacific Ocean side of Japan, and is native to central Honshu to Shikoku and Kyushu as well as Ulleungdo. Its seeds are attached with 3 to 7 mm long wings. On the other hand, variety pentaphylla tends to be found on the Sea of Japan side, and is native from central Honshu north to southern Hokkaido. It differs in having larger seed wings that are 10 to 12 mm long. Three Asian species, Pinus fenzeliana, Pinus morrisonicola, and Pinus wangii differ in minute details of branchlets, needles, seed cones, and seed wings. They are sometimes considered varieties of this species (Eckenwalder 2009).
The main variety parviflora is mostly found on the Pacific Ocean side of Japan, and is native to central Honshu to Shikoku and Kyushu as well as Ulleungdo. Its seeds are attached with 3 to 7 mm long wings. On the other hand, variety pentaphylla tends to be found on the Sea of Japan side, and is native from central Honshu north to southern Hokkaido. It differs in having larger seed wings that are 10 to 12 mm long. Three Asian species, Pinus fenzeliana, Pinus morrisonicola, and Pinus wangii differ in minute details of branchlets, needles, seed cones, and seed wings. They are sometimes considered varieties of this species (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus parviflora is very commonly cultivated as an ornamental or a bonsai tree, especially in Japan, where this has been done for centuries. In cultivation it is often seen in dwarf form, with attractive contorted forms being highly valued in Japan (Farjon 2013). It prefers well-drained, moist soils in full sun, and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 7 (MBG).
Distribution
Pinus parviflora is found in montane areas and slopes, typically at 1000 to 1500 m, but also anywhere from sea level to 2500 m. It is native to the four main islands of Japan: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, as well as Ulleungdo of South Korea (Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus parviflora is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", since the species has a wide distribution with no significant threats (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus parviflora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42388A2977007.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus parviflora (Glauca Group). Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jul 3]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263631
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus parviflora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42388A2977007.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus parviflora (Glauca Group). Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jul 3]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263631
Description
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