Umbrella pine

Umbrella pine

Pinus pinea (Pinaceae)

Common Name:

Umbrella pine

Scientific Name:

Pinus pinea (Pinaceae)


Alternative common names:

Sambreelden (Afrikaans)

Description:

A coniferous tree 12-30m high forming an umbrella-shaped crown with dense foliage at maturity. The trunk is straight, often forking with reddish-brown bark and deeply cracked into plates. Light green leaf needles in bundles of two. Nut-brown, woody cones 10-15cm long. It invades grasslands and mountain fynbos.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Northern Mediterranean

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Not listed

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

How does it spread?

Spreads by seed dispersal

Why is it a problem?

Competes with indigenous species. High visual impact because of its large size

What does it look like?

General description: Coniferous tree 12-30m high forming an umbrella-shaped crown with dense foliage at maturity; trunk straight though often forking, bark reddish-brown and deeply cracked into plates.
Leaves: Needles, light green, in bundles of two, 50-150mm long, thick and rigid.
Flowers: Does not produce any flowers.
Fruit/Seeds: Produces a cone in the form of a nut-brown, woody, heavy, 100-150mm long

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornament, shade, edible nuts

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