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Pinus pinea
L.
Italian Stone Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus pinea is a coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae. It is native usually to coastal areas in Mediterranean Europe and the Near East, and has edible seeds.
Description
Pinus pinea is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 25 to 30 m with a trunk that grows up to 1.5 m wide. It forms a distinctively very broad and wide, umbrella-shaped crown. Branches are slender or thick, pointing upwards, with foliage near the tips. Needles are thick, slightly twisted, and stiff but not prickly, typically 8 to 15 cm in bundles of 2. They are bluish or bright green with numerous bands (which are stomata) on both sides of the leaves, and they persist on the tree for around 3 years. Sheaths are 10 to 15 mm long, and are persistent but weathering down to 5 to 10 mm long and falling with the bundle. Buds are 6 to 12 mm long, and are not resinous. The bark is bright reddish brown, with flat-topped irregular plates and dark brown furrows. Twigs are yellowish to grayish brown, and are hairless and rough with the sheaths left on them. Pollen cones are 10 to 20 mm, pale orange-brown. Seed cones are typically 8 to 12 cm long, broadly egg-shaped, and with a thick, short, and persistent stalk. They are green, ripening to reddish brown. Seed scales are broadly paddle-shaped, with the face being domed and with five or six faces, and a large flat face called an umbo. These cones open widely to release their seeds and stay on the tree for2 to 3 years. Seeds are 15 to 22 mm long, with an easily detachable wing that is 10 mm long (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
The main economic importance of this species is its edible seeds, which can be used in many Mediterranean dishes or eaten alone. This has been the case since ancient times, and many “wild” stands may be human introductions. Its wood is not used often, as the tree forms a crooked trunk, but it is locally used for furniture. Opened pine cones are sometimes used as decoration or as fuel. Its resin is also used for medicinal treatments or wax for varnishes and violin bows. A green dye can also be made from its needles (Farjon 2013).
Pinus pinea is also grown as an ornamental. In the United States it grows particularly well in coastal California where the climate is well-suited for this species. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and has some drought tolerance. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10 (MBG).
Pinus pinea is also grown as an ornamental. In the United States it grows particularly well in coastal California where the climate is well-suited for this species. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and has some drought tolerance. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10 (MBG).
Distribution
Pinus pinea is found in pure or open stands, generally in coastal dunes but also in hilly or mountainous slopes. It is native to Mediterranean Europe in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Slovenia. It is also found in the eastern Mediterranean area in coastal Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Lebanon, but it is unclear whether these are wild populations, since the species has been long cultivated. It has become naturalized and invasive in the fynbos shrubland of South Africa (Farjon 2013).
Status
Pinus pinea is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", as it has a wide range and no large-scale threats that would threaten the species as a whole (Farjon 2013).
References
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus pinea (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42391A2977175.en
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus pinea. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 19]. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285030&isprofile=0&
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus pinea (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42391A2977175.en
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Pinus pinea. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 19]. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285030&isprofile=0&
Description
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