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Pinus pumila
(Pall.) Regel
Siberian Dwarf Pine
Pinaceae
Pinus pumila is a coniferous shrub in the family Pinaceae. It is native to mountainous areas of Northeast Asia.
Description
Pinus pumila is a shrub that grows up to 6 m, but spreading horizontally to 10 m, with creeping or upright trunks that grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The tree forms a round or flattened crown, with upright branches with needles near the tips. Needles are thin, typically 3 to 7 cm long in bundles of 5. They are dark green with white bands (which are stomata) only on the inner sides of the needles, and persist on the tree for 2 to 4 years. The sheaths are about 1 to 1.5 cm long and are not persistent. Buds are about 10 mm long and are very resinous. The bark is grayish or blackish brown, flaking. Male cones are small, dark red, 8 to 10 mm long. Seed cones are 3 to 5 cm long, egg-shaped, hanging from a short stalk. They are green or violet, ripening to light brown and have about 30 scales that are fan-shaped, thin, and smooth (i.e. without prickles). These cones stay closed or slightly open, then fall from the tree after releasing their seeds. Seeds are about 6 to 10 mm wide, plump and egg-shaped, without wings (Eckenwalder 2009).
The species is probably most closely related to Pinus parviflora, a white pine (Eckenwalder 2009).
The species is probably most closely related to Pinus parviflora, a white pine (Eckenwalder 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Pinus pumila is occasionally cultivated in parks and other public spaces. Besides this, the species is not very useful: its seeds are edible, but difficult to harvest (Farjon 2013).
Distribution
This plant can be found in dense thickets or in open subalpine forests at an elevation, typically at an elevation of 500 to 2300 m. It is native to Russia east of the Lena River, as well as mountains in northern Mongolia, northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and northern and central Japan (Eckenwalder 2009).
Status
Pinus pumila is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", as the species has an extremely wide range and has no significant threats (Farjon 2013).
References
Farjon, A. 2013. Pinus pumila. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42405A2977712.en.
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Eckenwalder, J. E. 2009. Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.
Description
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