pinus

Pinus is a genus of evergreen conifers in the family Pinaceae, commonly called pines. It includes about 115 to 120 species native to the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with extensive ranges in North America, Europe, and Asia and smaller populations in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Pines occupy a variety of habitats, from coastal forests to high mountain ecosystems, and they are among the most economically important conifers for timber, resin, and ornament.

Pines are characterized by needles arranged in bundles, or fascicles. The number of needles per fascicle is a key diagnostic trait and varies by species, most commonly two, three, or five. Needles are long-lived, slender, and usually evergreen, with lifespans that range from two to several years depending on species. The reproductive structures include small, numerous male cones and larger, woody female cones; pollination is largely wind-driven. Seeds are dispersed by wind when cones open.

Many pines are adapted to fire, with some species producing serotinous cones that only release seeds after heating by fire. Pine wood is a major softwood used in construction, paper, and woodworking, while resin and turpentine have been produced from many species. Several pines yield edible seeds, known as pine nuts, with notable species such as Pinus pinea and Pinus edulis.

Threats to pines include insect outbreaks, diseases (for example pine pitch canker and pine wilt disease), and drought linked to climate change. They play a key role in forest ecology, providing habitat and influencing hydrology, soil stability, and carbon storage.