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Canary Island Pine
(Pinus canariensis)
TWO TREES ON NORTHEAST CORNER OF FORBES
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| Walk
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Canary Island Pine |
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(Pinus canariensis) |
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TWO TREES ON NORTHEAST CORNER OF FORBES |
| 21 | A very striking vertical pine with beautiful long silky needles- from the Canary Islands as you might deduce. |
| In Depth | Pinus canariensis, Canary Island Pine |
| Location: TWO TREES ON NORTHEAST CORNER OF FORBES | |
| Family: Pinaceae | |
| Distribution: Canary Islands | |
| Habitat: semi-arid regions in rocky or sandy soils | |
| Habit: tall, conical evergreen pine | |
| Flowering: non-showy flowers in the spring | |
| Natural History Notes: The species name and common name refers to the trees native region of the Canary Islands. This extremely fast growing species is of vital importance to that region, but has become an active invader in native habitat areas of Australia and South America where it was cultivated. Distinguishing Characteristics: The typical height of this species is 80 to 90 feet with a spread of 20 to 35 feet. The bark is extremely thick, reddish, and furrowed. The needles of the P. canariensis are bright green to yellow green, slender, about 1 mm thick, and 3-6 cm long in fascicles of three. The adult needles are retained for 1 ½ to 3 years. The glossy chestnut brown cones arise in the spring from female flowers found on previous year's shoots. The cones then mature over the year and drop in the following spring. Human Uses: This fast growing species is used mainly as an ornamental, for shade, or as a windbreak. The tree is highly important in the Canary Island region where it aids in irrigation. The annual rainfall in that region is 50 cm but increases to 200 cm with fog drip from the tree. This increase in precipitation supplies the majority of irrigation water, which is vital for the islands economy. The fallen dead leaves of the pine are also used in that region as packaging for the exportation of bananas. |