Canary Island Pine: Characteristics, Cultivation, and Uses
Canary Island Pine: Pinus canariensis
Photo of Pino Canario, Canary Pine. http://www.canario.dk/
Botanical Classification and Origin
- Scientific Name: Pinus canariensis Chr. Sm. ex DC.
- Common Name: Canary Island Pine, Pino Canario
- Family: Pinaceae
- Origin: Canary Islands (Spain)
Description
The Canary Island Pine is a majestic, pyramidal tree native to the Canary Islands. It can reach up to 60 meters in height but typically does not exceed 25 meters. This monoecious species is characterized by its long, fine, needle-like leaves that are grouped in threes.
Reproductive Features
- Male Cones: Oval, clustered in terminal spikes at the ends of the twigs, about 5 to 10 cm long. They are yellow-green at first, becoming red at maturity.
- Female Cones: Solitary or in pairs, reddish-green, found at the end of the twigs.
- Pine Cones: Spindle-shaped and shiny brown, 12 to 18 cm long by 5 cm in diameter, with subsessile scales and prominent processes.
- Seeds: About 12 mm long, darker on one side, with a fixed wing about 2 cm long.
Growth Cycle and Environmental Role
The Canary Island Pine blooms in early spring, with cones maturing in the second spring and seeds spreading in the third summer. It fruits annually, with greater profusion every 3 to 4 years. In its native volcanic environment, it plays a crucial protective role where other species cannot survive.
Uses
- Wood: Highly prized for its durability. Used in construction and carpentry. When treated with resin, it becomes highly resistant to putrefaction.
- Ornamental Value: Its unique foliage and regular cone shape make it a popular ornamental tree.
Climate and Soil Preferences
- Temperature Tolerance: Withstands large annual temperature fluctuations, from -10°C in winter to over 40°C in summer.
- Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant (xerophytic).
- Soil: Adapts well to poor and limestone soils. In its native habitat, it grows on volcanic substrates such as rhyolites, trachytes, and basalts. In introduced areas, it thrives in both limestone and siliceous soils.
Unique Characteristics and Care
- Coastal Resilience: Extremely hardy in coastal environments.
- Regrowth After Pruning: One of the few pine species that sprout after pruning.
- Buds on Wood: Features buds on the wood covered with needles, enhancing its ornamental appeal. Intentional pruning highlights this effect.
- Pest Susceptibility: In gardens, it is susceptible to the Pine Processionary Moth, which can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Fire Recovery: It is important to note its ability to sprout after being damaged by wildfire.
Propagation
- Cuttings: Difficult to root.
- Seeds: Best propagated by seeds outdoors.
- Seed Storage: Seeds can be stored for long periods in sealed containers at temperatures between -15°C and 0°C without losing viability. Avoid letting them dry out.
- Seed Pretreatment: Seeds that have been stored should undergo cold stratification for 1 to 3 months at 0°C to 4°C before sowing.
- Germination: Approximately 20 seeds per gram, with a 90% germination rate.