Pinus
(the old Latin name used by Virgil, &c.; probably derived from pix, picis, pitch; alluding to the resinous exudations). Deal-tree; Pine-tree. ORD. Coniferae. A genus comprising about seventy species of mostly hardy, evergreen trees, rarely shrubs, broadly dispersed over the extra-tropical regions of the Northern hemisphere; a few being found between the tropics in Eastern Asia, the West Indies, and Central America. Flowers monoecious. Leaves dimorphous; primary ones small, scale-like, scarious or hyaline, marcescent, spirally many-seriate; secondary ones conspicuous, two to five in a whorl in the axils of the small scales, acicular, rather long, sometimes very long. Cones ovoid, conical, or oblong, usually sessile, solitary or fasciculate, slightly erect, horizontal, or reflexed, very rarely less than 1in., and sometimes more than 1ft., in length. Seeds furnished with ample wings, or wingless. In most books, the species are classified according to the number of leaves in a sheath, but here the arrangement adopted is that proposed by the late Dr. Engelmann, published in the "Transactions of the St. Louis Academy of Science," and reprinted in the "Gardeners' Chronicle" for July 20th, 1880. Dr. Engelmann says: "I find, with Endlicher, the most valuable character in the fruit-scale, or, rather, to speak more correctly, I find that the form of the fruit-scale in this genus corresponds with a series of other characters which constitute two very natural sections of this genus..... The sub-sections are distinguished by the position of the ducts within the leaf, whether peripheral, i.e., near the epidermis parenchymatous, i.e., in the cellular tissue of the leaf or internal, i.e., close to the bundle sheath. Subordinate to this character is the subterminal or lateral position of the female ament and the cone. Only after this may the number of leaves in a sheath be taken into consideration, and perhaps the presence or absence of strengthening cells around the ducts. It will be found that thus not only natural, but, to some extent, even geographical, alliances are best preserved....." Want of space has prevented the characters of the sub-sections from being given; these will be found fully detailed in the works above-mentioned. For full descriptions, and more information respecting the species than it is possible to give in this work, the reader is referred to Loudon's "Arboretum et Fruticetum Britannicum" Carriere's "Traite General des Coniferes," ed. 2, Gordon's "Pinetum," ed. 2, and Veitch's recently-published "Manual of the Coniferae."
CULTURE. "In arboriculture, as in landscape planting, some of the most ornamental and picturesque of trees are to be found amongst the Pines, while other species are greatly valued as nurses for more tender trees, for forming screens, &c. So various are the soils and situations in which the different species occur in their native countries, that there is scarcely a spot for which one or other kind is not suitable; thus, the Scotch or Wild Pine grows on the bleakest hills; Pinus Pinaster flourishes in shallow sands near the sea-shore; P. rigida attains its greatest perfection amidst the Cedar swamps of Virginia; P. ponderosa grows in the arid plains of Utah, where no other vegetation exists; and the Scrub Pine (P. Banksiana) straggles over the rocks in the cold and sterile countries east of Hudson's Bay" (Veitch). The only satisfactory way to propagate the wild types of the various Pines is from seed, which may be sown, either in April, in sandy loam, in pots, under glass (and the young seedlings transplanted to the open ground in the following season), or in prepared beds outside. If the latter plan be adopted, the ground should be made very fine, and the seeds sown in March or April, when the ground is in good condition. After sowing, pat the bed with the back of a spade, or pass a light roller over it, and then cover lightly. The smaller-seeded kinds only require a thickness of 1/8in., or even less, of sandy loam over them; the larger ones, 1/4in. at most. If practicable, shade the beds, and keep them watered, until the young plants are sufficiently developed to bear full exposure. The following season, the seedlings should be placed in nursery lines, where they should not be allowed to remain more than two years without being again transplanted, or placed in the positions they are intended to occupy permanently. Probably, the best results would be attained were the seeds sown (and the seedlings not wanted thinned out) in the places where the trees were required to grow. This would of course, involve much extra care and expense at first, but there can scarcely be a doubt that, to a great extent, the trouble would be repaid by the more rapid growth of the plants. The gold and silver variegated forms, those of a pyramidal habit, as well as the small, dense, cushion-like sports, must be increased by grafting on seedling plants of their respective types.
All the species described are hardy, except where otherwise stated. FUNGI. Few trees are more subject to become the food of Fungi than the Coniferae, the Fungi attacking the leaves or the branches in the fresh state, and the trunks and branches after the trees have been felled, or have fallen naturally. Even after the wood is employed in carpentry, in houses, &c., it is liable to the attacks of more than one "Dry Rot" producer, the worst of which is Merulius lacrymans. However, it is unnecessary here to consider Dry Rot and other Fungi that feed on the dead tissues, except in so far as these Fungi destroy sheds or other garden erections. The Coniferae have a considerable number of parasites common to two or more of the species of trees; but each tree has certain kinds that, so far as is yet known, are peculiar to itself, e.g., Peziza Willkommii on Larch, Peridermium elatinum on Silver Fir, &c. Among the Fungi more hurtful to Coniferae, and especially to Firs of the genus Pinus, are the following: Several species of Polyporus live on the trunks of various Conifers, destroying the wood, and causing it to become soft and rotten. The tree is apt to break across at the part on which any kind of Polyporus has existed for some time. Among the worst of the British species are P. mollis on Scotch Fir, P. vaporarius and P. borealis on Scotch Fir and Spruce, and P. annosus, Fr. (Trametes radiciperda, Hartig). This last is one of the most dangerous species, because its habit of growth permits of very serious damage being done before danger is even feared. It gives rise to a state known as Red Rot, which causes the death of the tree. The injury is chiefly at the roots, and an attack is frequently unsuspected until the tree becomes pale green and dies. The roots are then found to be overgrown with the mycelium of the Fungus, which appears in cracks of the bark as whitish masses. The pileus is variable--in some cases, closely affixed to the root; in others, projecting from it, brown above, wrinkled and warty. The disease spreads gradually from a centre, destroying the trees within a progressively larger area, and without visible cause, as the Fungus passes from root to root in the soil.
The genus Trametes is nearly allied to Polyporus in structure and mode of life, and differs only in the former having the spore-bearing tubes imbedded in a substance similar to that in the pileus, while in the latter this substance differs from that in the pileus. One species, T. Pini grows on living Fir-trees (more rarely on other Conifers), in which it also causes a form of Red Rot. It is often the cause of injury to forests on the Continent; but it is too rare in Britain to give occasion for alarm.
Agaricus melleus very much resembles Polyporus annosus in its effects upon the trees which it attacks; but it is far less particular as to its host, not by any means confining itself to Conifers. It is one of the Mushroom group of Hymenomycetes, with the spores produced on gills on the lower surface of the pileus. The latter part is convex above and varies from honey-colour to brownish, with blackish scales upon it. The pileus, or cap, varies from 2in. to 7in. in breadth. The caps spring up in large clusters, near the roots of trees, or on them, or low on the trunk. On tracing the mycelium, it will be found growing between the wood and the bark, in black, string-like or flattened bands, called Rhizomorpha subcorticalis and R. fragilis, which were formerly regarded as distinct and independent species. Other Agarics also are parasites, but none are equally dangerous with A. melleus.
Another Fungus injurious to Fir-trees is Peridermium Pini, which occurs upon both branches and leaves. The branches are generally destroyed by it, the leaves do not show signs of serious injury. See Peridermium. The needles on various Conifers, in many parts of the country, are very frequently studded with one or more rows of small black bodies, which, under closer examination with a lens, are found to have a slit running from end to end of the upper surface. These are the perithecia of several species of Fungi grouped together in a genus called Hysterium. That on the Scotch Fir is H. pinastri. It is hurtful by causing the premature fall of the needles, and a consequent loss of nourishment to the trees. In each perithecium are numerous relatively large cells (asci), inclosing eight long, slender, colourless spores. The tissues of the needles are early traversed by the mycelium of the Fungus; and the needles fall off usually at the end of their first year of life, but the Fungus is matured only after the leaves have been lying on the ground for some time.
It must be borne in mind that unhealthy external conditions, such as sterile soil, bad drainage, or lack of free circulation of air and light, such as prevails in badly-tended shrubberies, will destroy or weaken shrubs and trees, and that plants brought into an unhealthy condition by any of these causes are rendered far more liable to suffer harm from parasites. The larger Fungi, such as Polyporus, very often gain access to the stem or root through wounds left by the fall of branches or by careless pruning. Root parasites spread through the soil from diseased to healthy roots. Most of them can live for a considerable time on the dead roots; hence, young trees should not be planted at once in the place of diseased ones that have been uprooted, however carefully the roots have been removed; and it is better, in any event, to let some time elapse, when trees are cut down, before planting others in their place.
Remedies. Whatever can promote healthy growth, especially the removal of the unfavourable conditions noted above, must be regarded as of the greatest importance as a preventive of disease due to the attacks of parasites. To prevent the spread of the root Fungi, Dr. Hartig recommends that narrow trenches be dug round the infected area, thus cutting the roots and preventing the spread of mycelium. Polypori on stems and branches usually denote that the wood is attacked for some distance around the spots, and that the prospect of saving the trees is not great; though, in the case of choice trees, it may be worth while to scoop away the diseased part, and to fill up the cavity in such a way as to prevent water lodging in it. Dead or dying trees should not be left standing to spread disease. Dead branches should be removed, and ragged stumps should be trimmed, and coated with some compound to prevent water and Fungus spores from getting into them. Branches attacked by Peridermium Pini should be cut off and burned, and Senecios should be uprooted from the neighbourhood of Fir-trees, even though the connection of P. Pini with Coleosporium Senecionis still demands investigation. Hysterium Pinastri can, probably, best be combated by the destruction of the Fungus in the needles; and, with this view, all fallen branches, bearing leaves and debris from trees attacked by this Fungus, should be collected, as far as possible, and burned.
In crowded shrubberies and woods, and in shady situations, the needles of Conifers are apt to be overgrown with Fungi of the group of Fumago, with an alga, Pleurococcus vulgaris, &c., which form a dark coat, like soot, on the needles. This coat prevents the latter doing their work for the welfare of the plant, and is thus hurtful, even though the plants forming it do not directly absorb food from the needles. The most effectual remedy is thinning out the shrubberies, and allowing better access of light and air. INSECTS. Pines, Scotch Firs, and other Conifers are very subject, in forests, to the attacks of various kinds of insects; and they are liable to injury from the same insects, though in a less degree, in pleasure-grounds and gardens. The roots are sometimes injured by the operations of Cockchafers and Mole Crickets; and some of the Bark Beetles live in them in the same way as they live in the stems. The wood of the stems is bored into, and seriously damaged, by the larvae of certain species, of which may be mentioned Sirex, as frequently present, the Goat Moth occasionally, and the Pine Weevils. Sickly trees often have their death hastened by the ravages of various species of small beetles (see Pine Bark Beetles) chiefly belonging to the family Scolytidae; and the young branches, and the trees themselves while young, are often killed by these beetles, and by the larvae of certain small moths, all of which bore into the branches and young stems, nearly or quite to the pith, and tunnel up them towards the tips, causing them to wither and fall. See Retinia. Several beetles are very hurtful in the mature state, by gnawing the bark off young twigs and young stems, or by puncturing the bark (Pissodes Pini and P. notatus). They thus cause an outflow of resin from each puncture. The larvae of certain moths of the genus Retinia also cause an outflow of resin, which by R. resinana is made into a shelter that looks remarkably like a gall). The buds also are injured by these insects. The thinner branches of Scotch Firs are often swollen to twice their natural thickness by Gall Mites of the genus Phytoptus (see Mites), the effect of which is, frequently, the death of the branches. These galls should be cut off and destroyed, to prevent the disease spreading. The needles or leaves are eaten by numerous insects, of which the more injurious are Sawflies (see Pine Sawflies) and Moths. Of the latter, we may specify the Pine Beauty, Trachea piniperda (see Fig. 170), a heavy-bodied insect, with variegated wings of a reddish-brown colour, mottled with orange, yellow, white, and sometimes green; the Bordered White (Fidonia piniaria), a Geometer in which the male is white and black above, with feathered antennae, and the female is dull orange-brown, with slender antennae; and the Carpet Moths (Thera firmata, &c.), similar in form to the last, but with the sexes alike, the antennae slender, and the fore-wings brown or chestnut, with a broad, darker cross-bar. Several small species of the Tortricina live, as larvae, between needles of Coniferae, spun loosely together, and some do considerable injury. But, on the whole, the moths seldom do serious harm to Conifers in gardens or pleasure-grounds, though they frequently do much damage in forests. The Sawflies are more to be dreaded than the moths.
Pines and other Coniferae are very liable to the attacks of numerous forms of Aphides, some of which feed on the needles, and others on the branches or in the young buds. The latter, for the most part, belong to the genera Chermes and Lachnus, both of which usually have a coating of filaments like a small tuft of white cotton, secreted by, and protecting, the body; and they are, therefore, rather easily detected on the bark. The two genera are easily distinguished from one another, since Lachnus has short, stumpy honey-tubes on its back near the end of the body, and one of the veins of the front wing that run to the hind margin has two branches; while in Chermes, the honey-tubes are not present, and the veins of the front wings are all unbranched. The number of species is too great to permit of a description being here given of each one that is injurious to Coniferae; but one producing a gall resembling a miniature Pine-apple, is referred to under a separate heading (see Spruce Pine-apple Gall). Several kinds of Psylla also feed on Coniferae. In none of the Conifers would the result be worth the trouble and expense of treating the plants with any of the washes or other substances that are successful against Aphides in general, except, perhaps, for the protection of very choice young plants.
The appropriate treatment to prevent or to remedy the attacks of insect foes will be found under the various headings referred to, except for the leaf-destroying moths. For these, the most successful treatment will be found to be beating or jarring the branches, and crushing all larvae that fall to the ground.
P. aristata (awned-coned). l. in fives, thickly set all round the branches, three-sided, abruptly pointed, entire, exuding white resin on their surfaces; those on young trees 1in. to 1 3/4in. long, half a line wide; on old specimens, scarcely 1in. long, thickly placed all round the branchlets. cones purplish-brown, oval, blunt-pointed, often appearing as if varnished, 2 1/4in. to 2 3/4in. long, 1 1/2in. broad; scales awned. Branches spreading, often contorted, covered with smooth, thin bark. h. 40ft. to 50ft. California, 1870. (G. C. n. s., iv. 549.) P. australis (Southern). l. in threes, 8in. to 9in. long, brilliant green, rather stout and reflexed when fully grown; sheaths from 1 1/2in. to 2in. long when young. Buds large, imbricated, and free from resinous matter. cones 7in. to 8in. long, 2 1/2in. broad, of a rich chestnut-brown colour, cylindrical, tapering to a blunt point. Branches few, robust, irregularly placed. h. 60ft. to 70ft. Southern United States. Hardy in the Southern Counties.
P. austriaca (Austrian).* Black Pine. l. rich, glossy dark green, rigid, sharp-pointed, erect, rounded on one side, and slightly channelled on the other, from 2 1/2in. to 5in. long; sheaths short, persistent. cones reddish-brown, 2in. to 3in. long, with less elevated, smooth and shining scales; seeds winged. h. 75ft. to 100ft. Austria, 1835. A handsome species, "sufficiently hardy to develop its beauty in the bleakest and most exposed situations." Its method of propagation is similar to that described for P. Pinaster, but the necessity of transplanting the one-year-old seedlings is even greater, as otherwise the roots are deficient in compactness, and grow in a straggling manner, which transplantation corrects and modifies. SYNS. P. Laricio austriaca, P. nigra. (G. C. n. s., ix. 275.)
P. a. aurea (golden). A fine, free-growing form, with gold-tinted foliage.
P. Balfouriana (Balfour's). Fox-tail or Hickory Pine. l. light green, rigid, short, very glaucous on the inner face, appressed, forming tufts 1ft. or more long at the ends of the branches. cones oval, about 2 1/2in. long, and half as much in diameter; scales hard, coriaceous, with a small hook, curved upwards. h. 40ft. to 50ft. California, 1852. An alpine species, usually with a pyramidal outline. (G. C. n. s., v. 332.)
P. Benthamiana (Bentham's). A synonym of P. ponderosa.
P. Bolanderi (Bolander's). A synonym of P. contorta.
P. Boursieri (Boursier's). A synonym of P. contorta. P. Bungeana (Bunge's).* Lace-bark Pine. l. bright pale green, rigid, triquetrous or three-angled, compressed and sharply pointed; sheaths short, deciduous. cones small. Branches long and slender. h. 70ft. to 80ft. China, 1846. A beautiful and distinct species, rare in cultivation. See Fig. 171. (G. C. n. s., xviii. 8.)
P. Buonapartea (Buonaparte's). l. in fives, but sometimes six, seven, eight, or nine in the same sheath, glaucous-green, angular on the inner face, very slender, 5in. long. cones straight, nearly cylindrical, 10in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; seeds large, with broad wings 1in. long. Trunk straight, furnished with long, slender branches in regular whorls, and pendent branchlets 2ft. to 3ft. long. h. 130ft. Sierra Madre. A noble, tolerably hardy tree.
P. californica (Californian). A synonym of P. insignis.
P. carpatica (Carpathian). A synonym of P. Mughus.
P. Cembra (Cembra).* Swiss Stone Pine. l. marked with silver lines, slender, flexible, triquetrous, three-angled, with rough edges, 2in. to 5in. long; sheaths small, deciduous. cones erect, oval, 3in. to 4in. long; scales smooth, terminating in a broad, obtuse spine; seeds about 1/2in. long, edible. h. 50ft. to 150ft Central Europe and Siberia, 1746. A very slow-growing species with a close, erect, symmetrical habit, and remarkable in the fact that the seeds do not vegetate until the second spring. See Fig. 172. There are numerous varieties; that known as pumila is a dwarf, stunted bush, rarely exceeding 4ft. in height; its leaves and cones are shorter than those of the type.
P. chihuahuana (Chihuahua). l. in threes, very rarely in fours, finely toothed along the edges, 2in. to 3in. long, glaucous above. light green beneath. cones 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, smooth, egg-shaped, h. 30ft. to 50ft. Chihuahua Mountains, North Mexico.
P. contorta (twisted). l. bright green, small, from 1in. to 2in. long. cones ovoid, almost spherical, about 1 1/2in. long, very persistent. Branches numerous, sub-erect or spreading. h. 25ft. to 30ft. California, 1831. This species, "in its young state, in this country, is a compact, pyramidal, densely-branched tree, with the branches much twisted or gnarled, and well furnished with grass-green foliage" (Veitch). See Fig. 173. (G. C. n. s., xix. 45.) SYNS. P. Bolanderi, P. Boursieri (F. d. S., 1854, 934 b).
P. c. Murrayana (Murray's). This form makes a much taller, and straighter tree than the type, from 80ft. to 120ft. high, and 4ft. to 6ft. in diameter, with light green leaves, mostly about 2in. long, a conical head, and thin, scaly, light greyish-brown bark. California. SYN. P. Murrayana.
P. Coulteri (Coulter's).* l. beautifully glaucous, rigid, triangular and flattened, incurved, clustered at the extremities of the branchlets, 9in. to 12in. long; sheaths long. cones very large, about 12in. long, 6in. in diameter at the broadest part, and weighing from 4lb. to 5lb.; scales very thick, woody, armed with a strong, hooked spine, yellowish-brown. Branches spreading, with the extremities ascending. h. 50ft. to 70ft. California, 1832. A very handsome and distinct species. SYN. P. macrocarpa. See Fig. 174. (G. C. n. s., xxiii. 409.)
P. densiflora (dense-flowered). fl., male catkins clustered into a thick, cylindrical spike, from 2in. to 3in. long. l. bright green, rather stiff, from 3in. to 4in. long, rounded on the upper surface, channelled beneath, slightly scabrous or roughish, crowded towards the extremities of the branchlets. cones about 2in. long. Trunk tapering; branches ascending. h. 40ft. to 50ft. Japan. (R. H., 1874, 273.)
P. Don Pedri (Don Pedro's). A synonym of P. Loudoniana. P. excelsa (tall).* Bhotan Pine. l. glaucous-green, very slender and flexible, drooping, triquetrous, with rough edges. cones cylindrical, pendulous, slightly curved, 6in. to 8in. long; scales large, wedge-shaped, loosely imbricated. Branches regularly whorled, the upper ascending, and those below decumbent. h. 60ft. to 150ft. Himalayas, 1827. A handsome, slender tree, of rapid growth. See Figs. 175 and 176. (G. C. n. s., xix. 244.)
P. flexilis (pliant). White Pine. l. rigid, crowded, about 2in. long. cones from 4in. to 5in. long; scales wedge-shaped. h. 5ft. to 50ft. California, 1851. A slow-growing tree, closely allied to P. Cembra, but having more flexible branches, and a bushy habit. (G. C. 1875, 376.)
P. f. albicaulis (white-stemmed). l. light glaucous-green, rigid, erect or sub-erect, triquetrous, compressed, 1 1/2in. long. cones ovoid, 2in. to 2 1/2in. long. Branches and their ramifications numerous. h. 20ft. to 30ft. South California, 1846. A slow-growing, irregular-shaped species. (J. H. S. i., p. 236.)
P. Fremontiana (Fremont's). A synonym of P. monophylla.
P. Gerardiana (Gerard's). l. glaucous-yellowish-green, rather rigid, triquetrous, abruptly pointed, 4in. to 5in. long. cones sub-globose or ovate-oblong, sometimes 4in. to 5in. in diameter; scales thick, spiny; seeds large, edible. Branches ascending, lower ones spreading. h. 40ft. to 50ft. Himalayas, 1830. A handsome tree, with a conical outline and smooth bark.
P. Grenvilleae (Grenville's). l. in fives, 12in. to 14in. long. cones solitary, pendulous, narrow, conical, about 15in. long. h. 60ft. to 80ft. Colmia, 1881. A fine and striking, tender tree. (G. C. n.s., xv. 113.)
P. halepensis (Aleppo).* l. rather light, slender, from 3in. to 5in. long, clustered at the extremities of the branchlets, sometimes in threes, and of but two years' duration. cones at first acutely conical, about 2 1/2in. long, ultimately much shortened and rounded; scales broad, flat, yellowish-brown. Branches slender. h. 40ft. to 50ft. Levant, 1683. (G. C. n. s., xxii. 553.) P. insignis (remarkable).* Monterey Pine. l. dark green, slender, soft, flexible, twisted, slightly appressed, 4in. to 6in. long. cones very ornamental, 4in. to 5in. long, obtuse at the base, pointed at the apex; scales spineless, smooth, glossy orange-brown in colour. Branches dense. h. 80ft. to 100ft. California, 1833. This is described as one of the handsomest of all the Pines; it is, however, only hardy enough to bear the winter in mild south and southwest climates. A sheltered position is at all times most essential. SYNS. P. californica, P. radiata. (G. C. n. s., ix. 108.)
P. koraiensis (Corean). l. bright glossy green on the outer and broader side, and silvery on the two inner ones, slender, trigonal, 3in. to 4in. long, edges roughish. cones almost cylindrical, very obtuse at both ends, 5in. long; scales hard and leathery, the points recurved. Branches ascending. h. 20ft. to 30ft. Corea and Japan, 1861. An elegant species, with a compact habit, and forming a densely-rounded head.
P. Lambertiana (Lambert's). Sugar Pine. l. bluish-glaucous-green, triquetrous, the edges rough, slightly twisted, clustered towards the ends of the branches. cones cylindrical, tapering at the apex, 15in. to 20in. long, and 3in. to 4in. in diameter; scales large, loosely imbricated; seeds large, edible, of a nutty flavour. Branches pendulous. h. 150ft. to 300ft. California, &c., 1827. This, one of the tallest of all Pines, has an enormous girth, the massive, perpendicular trunk being generally bare of branches two-thirds of its height from the ground. It stands the English climate well, and seldom suffers in the severest winters. It has an elegant appearance, while growing, during its infancy, and early displays a remarkable magnitude of trunk in relation to its height. In its native country, it is found covering districts of pure sand. P. Laricio (Larch-like).* Corsican Pine. l. spreading, and curved or wavy, 6in. long, or less. cones pale brown, closely resembling those of P. austriaca in size and shape; scales with a very short point; seeds winged. Branches not numerous. h. 100ft. to 150ft. South Europe, 1814. "This Pine is easily recognised by its strict, erect habit; by its shortened branches, which sometimes show a tendency to curve in a direction round the tree and upwards; and by its large, twisted, glaucous foliage" (Veitch). It is better suited for richer soils, in lower situations, than many other Pines, and is therefore well fitted for planting out when a bold and prominent tree is needed in extensive grounds of park-like pretensions. See Fig. 177. (G. C. n. s., xxi. 15.)
P. L. austriaca (Austrian). A synonym of P. austriaca.
P. L. karamana (Karamana). l. in pairs, arranged in tufts at the ends of the upturned branches, 6in. to 8in. long, dark green. cones solitary or in pairs, spreading, 4in. long, 1 1/2in. thick, elongated, ovoid-conical, resembling those of the Austrian Pine, but much larger. Bark pale brown. Asia Minor, 1884. (G. C. n. s., xxi. 91.)
P. L. Pallasiana (Pallas'). l. rigid, sub-erect or erect, sparsely set towards the ends of the branchlets, 6in. long. cones as large as, or larger than, in the type. h. 60ft. to 80ft. Crimea, 1790. SYN. P. taurica.
P. L. pygmaea (dwarf). "A dwarf, dense bush, with all its branches and their ramifications much shortened, and with the foliage clustered in thick tufts at their extremities" (Veitch).
Other varieties of P. Laricio are: compacta, contorta, nana, and pendula. P. longifolia (long-leaved). l. in threes, 12in. to 14in. long, very slender, three-edged, of a bright glossy green, finely serrated, pendulous. cones either singly or in clusters varying from three to five in number, in regular whorls, 5in. long, and 2 1/2in. to 3in. in circumference near the base, ovate, very smooth, glossy, and hard; scales much thickened at the ends, and with a large, thick, hooked beak. Bark rough. Branches irregularly and thinly scattered. h. 60ft. to 100ft. India. Greenhouse. See Fig. 178.
P. Loudoniana (Loudon's). l. in fives, 5in. to 6in. long, angular on the inner face. cones quite straight, tapering to the point, 12in. to 14in. long, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; seeds very large, with broad wings 1in. long. Branches in whorls, slender and horizontal; lateral ones long, very slender, divided and drooping. h. 140ft. Mexico. The timber of this tree is highly esteemed, being of excellent quality. Hardy in the West of England. SYN. P. Don Pedri.
P. macrocarpa (large-fruited). A synonym of P. Coulteri.
P. maritima (sea). A synonym of P. Pinaster.
P. Massoniana (Masson's). l. deep green, twisted, 4in. to 6in. long, rounded or convex above, channelled beneath; edges slightly scabrous. cones very small. h. 70ft. to 80ft. Japan, 1854. Closely allied to P. densiflora, but attaining a greater height, with branches longer and more spreading, and the branchlets stouter. (S. Z. F. J. 113, 114.)
P. monophylla (one-leaved). l. rigid, glaucous-green, curved, from 2in. to 3in. long. cones from 2in. to 3in. long, without scales. Branches numerous and slender. h. 20ft. to 25ft. California, 1847. A small, slow-growing species, with a dense, bushy head. SYN. P. Fremontiana. (G. C. n. s., xx. 44.) P. Montezumae (Montezuma's). l. in fives, 3in. to 4in. long, rather stout, rigid, three-edged, and rough at the angles, supported by long, sharp-pointed, brown scales at the base of the sheaths, which are persistent, and nearly 1/2in. long. cones in clusters of three or four together, but often single, nearly horizontal, 4in. to 5in. long, 1 3/4in. broad, tapering at both ends. Branches few, irregular, rather stout and twisted. h. 40ft. Mexico. Hardy in the South and West of England. (J. H. S. i. 235.)
P. monticola (mountain-top).* l. glaucous, triquetrous, the edges slightly scabrous, about 3in. long, the points blunt; sheaths short. cones 5in. to 6in. long, tapering to a sharp point. Branches whorled. h. 75ft. to 100ft. North California, 1831. A handsome, pyramidal-growing tree, with an erect trunk. It is closely allied to P. Strobus, but the leaves are shorter, and more rigid.
P. Mughus (Mughus). l. dark green, crowded, stiff, short, twisted, about 2in. long. cones usually in pairs, small, ligneous, ovoid, about 1 1/2in. long; scales with a strong, usually curved spine. Upper branches ascending or erect; lower ones generally decumbent. h. 5ft. to 15ft. Mountains of Central Europe, 1779. A densely-branched tree or shrub. SYNS. P. carpatica and P. Pumilio. P. montana, by some botanists regarded as a distinct species, very nearly resembles P. Mughus.
P. M. nana (dwarf). Knee Pine. A small form, rarely above 2ft. in height.
P. muricata (prickly-coned). l. bright green, pliant, crowded, convex on one surface, and somewhat concave on the other, blunt, with rough edges, and short, pale sheaths, 3in. to 5in. long. cones clustered, about 3in. long, very dense and woody, often oblique; lower scales prominent, furnished with a sharp, woody point. Branches not numerous. h. 25ft. to 50ft. (rarely 80ft. to 120ft.). California, 1846. A distinct species, with a somewhat irregular growth.
P. Murrayana (Murray's). A synonym of P. contorta Murrayana.
P. nigra (black). A synonym of P. austriaca.
P. Parryana (Parry's). A synonym of P. ponderosa.
P. parviflora (small-flowered).* l. silvery on the flattened or inner sides, rigid, crowded, slightly twisted, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long. cones ovate-elliptic, 2 1/2in. to 3 1/2in. long; scales leathery, broadly wedge-shaped. Branches approximate, horizontal or slightly ascending; branchlets numerous, short, tufted. h. 25ft. to 40ft. Japan, 1861. A distinct, small-growing species, having a well-furnished trunk and dense foliage. (G. C. n. s., x. 624.)
P. Pinaster (Pinaster).* Cluster Pine. l. dark green, stiff, broad, stout, from 6in. to 12in. long. cones about 4in. long, in dense clusters, yellowish-brown; scales pyramidal, angular, with a short, straight prickle; seeds winged. h. 60ft. to 80ft. South-west Europe, 1596. A beautiful tree, of variable habit, and succeeding best near the sea. It is, perhaps, the most uncertain of all the Coniferae to remove, on account of its long, bare roots. Two-year-old seedlings seldom strike when removed, it being absolutely necessary to procure seedlings which have been transplanted when a year old, and have stood in the nursery for another year. When the seed is sown, however, where the trees are intended to stand, in deep, dry sand, they do very well. SYN. P. maritima. See Fig. 179. (Sy. En. B. 1381.)
P. P. Hamiltoni (Hamilton's). Lord Aberdeen's Pine. An elegant variety, with shorter and paler green leaves than the type. Nice, 1825.
P. P. variegata (variegated) more or less variegated with yellow and green. P. Pinea (Pine).* Parasol Pine or Stone Pine. l. deep green, semi-cylindrical, rather rigid, with the edges slightly scabrous, about 6in. long. cones from 4in. to 6in. long, and 3in. in diameter; scales stout, ligneous, hard, terminating in a recurved, obtuse prickle; seeds with a very small wing. Branches spreading; branchlets generally ascending, and confined to the top of the tree. h. 50ft. to 60ft. Mediterranean region, 1548. This very picturesque tree thrives best in a sandy soil, near the sea, in a sheltered situation; it is somewhat tender, not being able to stand exposure to cold blasts of wind. In Italy, the seeds, which are larger in size than those of any other European Pine, are sold as a fruit, of which the natives are uncommonly fond. See Fig. 180. (G. C. n. s., xx. 45.)
P. ponderosa (heavy-wooded).* l. deep glaucous-green, rather rigid, three-angled, compressed, with roughish edges, from 6in. to 12in. long, sometimes twisted, confined to the extremities of the branches. cones ovoid, 3in. to 6in. long; scales terminating in a short spine. Branches regularly whorled, at first horizontal, afterwards decumbent. h. 100ft. to 150ft. and upwards. California, 1827. A very large tree, the bark of which is divided into large, flat, smooth plates, 4in. to 8in. broad. SYNS. P. Benthamiana (F. d. S. iv., p. 216; vi., p. 85), P. Parryana, and P. Sinclairiana.
P. p. Jeffreyi (Jeffrey's). l. glaucous-green, rigid, spreading, about 9in. long. cones large and handsome, 8in. to 9in. long, tapering, more developed above than beneath, yellowish-brown; scales closely adherent, with a projecting spine. h. 150ft. Oregon and California, 1852.
P. Pumilio (Pumilio). A synonym of P. Mughus.
P. pungens (pricking). Table Mountain Pine. l. in twos, 2in. to 2 1/2in. long, pale yellowish-green, straight, rigid, thickly set on the branches. cones top-shaped, rather large, light yellowish-brown, 3 1/2in. long, 2 1/2in. broad at the base, tapering to a point, generally in whorls round the stem and top branches; scales thick, hard, broad at the base, elevated into a pyramid, with an incurved, strong, awl-shaped hook. Branches irregular and spreading; buds blunt, covered with resin. h. 40ft. to 50ft., resembling the Scotch Fir in habit. Mountains of Southern United States. See Fig. 181.
P. pyrenaica (Pyrenean). l. thin, smooth, dense, about 4in long, the edges slightly scabrous. cones about 2 1/2in. long slightly curved, and tapering to a point. Branches numerous, with the branchlets close-set. h. 60ft. to 80ft. Pyrenees, 1834. A handsome species, of rapid growth, and with a regular pyramidal outline. See Fig. 182. (R. H. 1867, 16.)
P. p. brutia (Brutia). "A medium-sized tree, with spreading branches, and slender, wavy leaves, 9in. long" (Veitch). Italy. See Fig. 183.
P. radiata (rayed). A synonym of P. insignis.
P. rigida (stiff). l. light green, rigid, triquetrous, with roundish edges, sharp-pointed, from 3in. to 5in. long, cones ovoid, about 3in. long; scales terminating in sharp, hooked prickles. h. 70ft., but only from 30ft. to 45ft. in England. Eastern United States, 1759. This species is much branched at the top, and forms a dense head.
P. Sabiniana (Sabine's). l. glaucous-bluish-green, rather flaccid, pendulous, slightly twisted, rounded on the outer, and with a prominent rib on the inner, side. cones from 7in. to 9in. long, 5in. to 7in. in diameter, very resinous; scales hard, strong, large, terminating in a sharp, hard, solid point. Branches horizontal, usually having a bare appearance. h. 40ft. to 60ft. California, 1832. "In England, it is tolerably hardy, but somewhat fastidious as to soil and situation. In favourable spots, where it has attained a considerable size, it proves to be a very distinct, and by no means inelegant, tree, its long, pendulous leaves and slender but crooked branches being notable characteristics; but all defects are amply atoned for by its fine cones, which almost rival those of P. macrocarpa [P. Coulteri] in size and colour" (Veitch).
P. Sinclairiana (Sinclair's). A synonym of P. ponderosa.
P. Strobus (Strobus).* Weymouth Pine. l. light green, marked with silvery lines, slender, soft, 3in. to 5in. long. cones cylindrical, tapering, slightly curved, 6in. to 8in. long; scales smooth, thickened at the apex. Branches often short. h. 120ft. to 160ft. North America, 1705. A handsome tree, but inferior to P. excelsa, to which it is very closely allied. The variety nana is a small, compact, bushy shrub, with short, slender branches and numerous branchlets. The leaves are shorter than those of the species, and densely clustered at the extremities of the branchlets. There are several other but inferior varieties.
P. sylvestris (sylvan).* Deal Wood; Fir-tree; Scotch or Wild Pine. l. dense, of a glaucous hue, from 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, but shorter on old trees; sheaths small, persistent, nearly black. cones solitary or two or three together, about 2in. long, tapering towards the apex; tops of the scales elevated and ridged, with a square or triquetrous outline, and a small shield with a deciduous point; seeds winged. Branches spreading, short, the lower ones dying off when in a young state. h. 50ft. to 100ft. Britain. A well-known tree, of which there are several varieties of little value. It grows best in a peaty soil, where the Heath acts as cover, and affords protection to the young plant, which is better adapted for it than close herbage. When shifted to different soil, the quality of the tree often degenerates, and the wood becomes whiter and softer than in the original type. (Sy. En. B. 1380.)
P. s. altaica (Altaian). A compact, pyramidal tree, with much shorter and stiffer leaves. h. 50ft. Altai Mountains.
P. s. argentea (silvery). Cones and leaves of a beautiful silvery hue.
P. s. fastigiata (pyramidal). A-form only differing from the type in its columnar habit.
P. s. horizontalis (horizontal). l. broader and more glaucous than in the type. cones thicker, less pointed. Branches quite horizontal.
P. s. latifolia (broad-leaved). A robust and rapid-growing form, having much broader, more glaucous, and longer leaves than any other variety of P. sylvestris.
P. s. monophylla (one-leaved). A singular variety. The leaves are "attached to each other throughout their length, and have the appearance of being united; but by giving them a twist, they separate into two, like the ordinary Scotch Fir" (Gordon, "Pinetum").
P. s. variegata (variegated). l. variegated with pale straw. colour. P. tuberculata (tubercled). l. deep green, triquetrous, with an elevated rib running along the middle on the under side, twisted, the edges scabrous. cones varying in size, from 4in. to 8in. long; scales very prominent, deeply divided from each other. h. 25ft. to 40ft. California, 1847. A handsome species when in a young state.
Several species, not mentioned in the foregoing list, are occasionally seen in cultivation, but they are, as a rule, too tender for our climate; and several others are of no horticultural value.