Canary Island pine

Appearance

"Pinus canariensis" is a large evergreen tree, growing to 30–40 m tall and 100–120 cm trunk diameter, exceptionally up to 60 m tall and 265 cm diameter. The green to yellow-green leaves are needle-like, in bundles of three, 20–30 cm long, with finely toothed margins and often drooping. A characteristic of the species is the occurrence of glaucous epicormic shoots growing from the lower trunk, but in its natural area this only occurs as a consequence of fire or other damage. This pine is one of the most fire-resistant conifers in the world. The cones are 10–18 cm long, 5 cm wide, glossy chestnut-brown in colour and frequently remaining closed for several years. Its closest relatives are the Chir Pine from the Himalaya, the Mediterranean pines "Pinus pinea", "Pinus halepensis", "Pinus pinaster" and "Pinus brutia" from the eastern Mediterranean.

Distribution

The native range has been somewhat reduced due to over-cutting so that only the islands of Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria still have large forests. Really big trees are still rare due to past over-cutting. It is the tallest tree in the Canary Islands.

Habitat

Within its natural area, it grows under extremely variable rainfall regimes, from less than 300 mm to several thousands, mostly due to differences in mist-capturing by the foliage. Under warm conditions, this is one of the most drought-tolerant pines, living even with less than 200 mm of rainfall per year. It is the vegetable symbol of the island of La Palma.

Evolution

Fossils of "Pinus canariensis" have been described from the fossil flora of Kızılcahamam district in Turkey which is of early Pliocene age.

Uses

The tree's extremely long needles make a significant contribution to the islands water supply, trapping large amounts of condensation from the moist air coming off the Atlantic with the prevailing north eastern wind. The condensation then drops to the ground and is quickly absorbed by the soil, eventually percolating down to the underground aquifers.

The aromatic wood, especially the heartwood, is among the finest of pine woods - hard, strong and durable.

In mainland Spain, South Africa, Sicily and Australia, it has become a naturalized species from original landscape uses.

"Pinus canariensis" is a popular ornamental tree in warmer climates, such as in private gardens, public landscapes, and as street trees in California.