The Stone Pine, easily recognized by its umbrella-shaped canopy, is a distinctive tree native to the Mediterranean region. Valued for its edible pine nuts and its role in landscaping, this pine has been cultivated for millennia. Its unique appearance and practical uses make it a significant part of the Mediterranean landscape and culture.
Names
Scientific
Pinus pinea
English
Italian stone pine
Parasol pine
Stone pine
Umbrella pine
Dutch
Parasolden
Spanish
Pino doncel
Pino manso
Pino piñonero
French
Pin d'Italie
Pin parasol
Pin pignon
German
Italienische Steinkiefer
Mittelmeer-Kiefer
Pinie
Schirm-Kiefer
Italian
Pino domestico
Taxonomy
Order
Pinales
Family
Pinaceae
Genus
Pinus
Species
Pinus pinea (Stone pine)
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Native to the Mediterranean region.
Distribution:
Widely distributed around the Mediterranean basin, from Portugal to Syria, and along some coastal areas of the Black Sea. It has also been introduced to North Africa and other regions.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Perennial.
Flowers:
Male flowers are golden in color and grow in groups. Female flowers are yellowish-green, in groups of 1-3.
Leaves:
Needles are in pairs, 10-15 cm long, stiff, and twisted.
Fruits:
Cones are ovoid-globose, 8-15 cm long, green when young and reddish-brown when mature, taking three years to ripen. They contain large, edible seeds known as pine nuts.
Climate and weather:
Prefers a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is drought-resistant and thrives in full sun.
Pollination:
Wind-pollinated.
Height:
Typically grows to a height of 20-30 meters (65-100 feet), but can reach up to 40 meters (130 feet) in some cases.
Spacing:
Spacing varies depending on the purpose, but generally, a spacing of 3 x 3 meters or wider is used in plantations.
Propagation:
Primarily propagated by seeds.
Insect pests:
Susceptible to pests such as the pine processionary moth and pine tortoise scale.
Diseases:
Can be affected by fungal diseases.
Harvesting:
Cones are harvested between November and April. Pine nuts are extracted after the cones are dried and opened.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated for its edible pine nuts. The wood is used locally for furniture, and the tree is also used for landscaping, soil stabilization, and resin production.
Crop categories
Edible seeds
Mediterranean crops
Minor crops
Subtropical crops
Temperate crops