pine

Pine refers to trees in the genus Pinus, the largest group of conifers in the family Pinaceae. With roughly 110–120 species, pines are evergreen trees native to the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and they play a major role in forestry, horticulture, and ecology.

Most pines bear leaves in bundles called fascicles, typically containing two, three, or five needles. Needles are evergreen and long, often remaining on the tree for several years. Pines produce woody cones, with small, often inconspicuous male cones and larger female cones that carry the seeds.

Reproduction and ecology: Pines are wind-pollinated. Cone maturation spans one to a few years depending on species. Some species have serotinous cones that release seeds after fire. Pines are adapted to a range of habitats and often form mycorrhizal associations.

Notable species include Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine), Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), Pinus nigra (Austrian black pine), and Pinus pinea (stone pine), the latter known for edible pine nuts.

Uses and significance: Pine timber is widely used in construction and furniture; resin and turpentine are derived from some species. Pine nuts are edible from several species. Pines are also grown ornamentally and as Christmas trees in many regions.

Threats and conservation: Some pines face threats from bark beetles, diseases such as pine wilt, and climate change. Sustainable management and restoration are used to conserve diverse pine forests.