Stone pine
Stone Pine
Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), also known as the Italian Stone Pine, Umbrella Pine and Parasol Pine, is a species of pine in the family Pinaceae. The tree is native to the Mediterranean region, occurring in Southern Europe, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is also cultivated in North Africa, the Canary Islands, South Africa and New South Wales. The tree is notable for its distinctive 'umbrella' shape.
Pronunciation
Stone Pine: /ˈstoʊn paɪn/
Etymology
The term "Stone Pine" comes from the tree's seeds, which are large and have a hard, stone-like shell. The Latin name Pinus pinea is derived from pinus, meaning "pine", and pinea, referring to the pine cone.
Description
The Stone Pine is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters (66-82 ft) high. It has a characteristic umbrella-like shape due to its evenly spaced branches that grow in a parasol shape. The bark is thick and deeply fissured. The leaves, or needles, are in pairs, very slender, and 10-20 cm long. The cones are broad, ovoid, 8-15 cm long, and take two years to mature. The seeds, known as pine nuts, are large, 2 cm long, and have a hard shell.
Uses
The seeds of the Stone Pine, or pine nuts, are edible and used in cooking. They are a common ingredient in pesto, a sauce originating from Genoa, Italy. The wood of the Stone Pine is used for carpentry, furniture, and for the construction of wine barrels.
Related Terms
- Pine: A type of coniferous tree in the genus Pinus, in the family Pinaceae.
- Pine Nuts: The edible seeds of pines.
- Pinaceae: The pine family, the largest family of conifers.
- Conifer: A type of tree that produces cones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stone pine
- Wikipedia's article - Stone pine
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