Canary Island Pine

Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis) – a species of trees in the pine family (Pinaceae). In nature it grows on the western coast of Africa. It is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it forms a vast belt of coniferous forests that grow on the leeward side of the islands La Palma, Tenerife, El Hierro, Gran Canaria. It can take root and grow on volcanic lava, and is also noted for particular toughness. It resprouts from the roots after a tree has been cut down or burned. Growth rate is moderate.

It is a medium-sized tree reaching 25-35 m in height. The tallest pine grows on Tenerife, its height reaches 60 m and 3 m in diameter at the base. In youth the Canary Island Pine has a pyramidal or narrowly conical crown shape and a broader one when mature. Shoots are thick, 7-15 mm in diameter, yellow-brown in color. The root system is deep and well branched.

Trunk erect, branching, with reddish-brown, fissured, scaly, very thick bark that peels off in separate plates.

Foliage bluish in young trees and glossy green in more mature ones, up to 30 cm long, gathered in bundles of 3 needles, up to 1 mm thick, sometimes pendulous, with small teeth along the edges. Moisture accumulates at the tips of the needles, which helps nearby plants not suffer from drought. Needles persist on the tree for 1-3 years.

Monoecious plant. Male flowers are yellowish-orange in color.

Cones greenish-red when young, brown at maturity; borne singly, rarely in pairs, broadly ovoid in shape, 9-20x9-12 cm, brown in color. Scales are rhomboid, their width exceeds their height, the surface more or less flat. Inside the cones are obovoid winged seeds, 12-25 mm long. The wing is poorly separable from the seed.

Hardiness zone 9. Drought-tolerant.

Location: requires sunny, open sites. Prefers deep, well-drained soil. On calcareous soils it is susceptible to chlorosis. Recommended for cultivation in mild climates or as a container specimen. Can grow on volcanic lava, in valleys, mountains and coastal areas.

Planting: planting hole depth – 0.8-1 m. The root collar should be placed at ground level. Transplants well.

Care: requires moderate watering and sanitary pruning. Demanding with respect to air humidity.

Propagation: propagated by seeds, which are sown in the ground in early spring. Seeds should be pre-stratified for one month.

Uses: very decorative. Used in forest plantings, parks, and as a specimen tree. The wood is used in construction and for making various handicrafts.