Slash pine

Slash pine

Pinus elliottii (Pinaceae)

Common Name:

Slash pine

Scientific Name:

Pinus elliottii (Pinaceae)


Alternative common names:

Basden (Afrikaans)

Description:

Coniferous tree 15-30m high with dark green, open crown of modest spread, free of branches to a considerable height. Dark green leaf needles in bundles of two or three, coarse and stiff and crowded at ends of branchlets. This tree produces yellowish to pale brown cones 6-14cm long

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 2 Proposed legislation: NEMBA - Category 2

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Mpumalanga Province

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal from the cones

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 15-30 m high, with a dark green, open crown of modest spread, free of branches to a considerable height.
Leaves: Needles, dark green; in bundles of two or three, coarse and stiff and crowded at ends of branchlets.
Flowers: None
Fruit/Seeds: Produces cones that are yellowish-brown in colour, 60-140 mm long; cone scales end in a blunt, grey prickle 1-2mm long

Does the plant have any uses?

Planted as a commercial forestry tree and used for timber

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