Radiata pine

Radiata pine

Pinus radiata (Pinaceae)

Common Name:

Radiata pine

Scientific Name:

Pinus radiata (Pinaceae)


Alternative common names:

Radiataden (Afrikaans)

Description:

A coniferous tree 12-25m high with a broad, rounded canopy. Dark green leaf needles in bundles of two to three which are very densely arranged. Yellowish-brown, woody cones 7-14cm long. This pine invades fynbos, forest clearings, grasslands, usually on moist mountain slopes

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-western North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - a. 2 for plantations and wind-rows. b. 1b elsewhere. c. National Heritage Trees or National Monument Trees in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999), are not listed. d. Specimens with a diameter (calliper width) greater than 400 mm at a height of 1000 mm at the date of publication of this Notice are not listed for urban areas in Cape Town, the Overberg District Council and Winelands District Council, except when in raparian areas where they remain Category 1b.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape

How does it spread?

Spreads by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous species. Dense stands can reduce water runoff and stream flow from mountain catchments, reduce grazing, and pose a fire hazard which threatens the survival of indigenous animal and plant species

What does it look like?

General description: Coniferous tree 12-25m high with a sharply conical canopy in plantations, but a broad, rounded canopy when open-grown.
Leaves: Needles, dark green, in bundles of two or usually three, very densely arranged, 60-150mm long, slender.
Flowers: Does not produce any flowers.
Fruit/Seeds: Produces cone which is yellowish-brown, woody, obliquely ovoid, large, 70-140mm long, strongly asymmetrical and reflexed, persistent; cone scales on outer side very large and thick, ending in a fine thorn, inner scales small and flat

Does the plant have any uses?

Normally used for timber and shelter

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