Pinus canariensis

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Pinus canariensis
Canary Island pine
Caldera de Taburiente La Palma.jpg
Canary Island pines in Caldera de Taburiente, La Palma
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pinus
Subgenus: P. subg. Pinus
Section: P. sect. Pinus
Subsection: Pinus subsect. Pinaster
Species:
P. canariensis
Binomial name
Pinus canariensis

Pinus canariensis, the Canary Island pine, is a species of gymnosperm in the conifer family Pinaceae. It is a large, evergreen tree, native and endemic to the outer Canary Islands of the Atlantic Ocean.

Contents

Description

Pinus canariensis is a large evergreen tree, growing to 30–40 metres (98–131 feet) tall and 100–120 centimetres (39–47 inches) diameter at breast height, [3] exceptionally up to 56 m (184 ft) tall and 988 cm (389 in) girth (314 cm diameter). [4] The green to yellow-green leaves are needle-like, in bundles of three, 20–30 cm (8–12 in) long, [3] with finely toothed margins and often drooping. A characteristic of the species is the occurrence of epicormic shoots with single (not in threes) glaucous (bluish-green) juvenile leaves growing from the lower trunk, but in its natural area this only occurs as a consequence of fire or other damage. The cones are 10–18 cm (4–7 in) long, 5 cm (2 in) wide, [3] glossy chestnut-brown in colour and frequently remaining closed for several years (serotinous cones). Its closest relatives are the chir pine (P. roxburghii) from the Himalayas, the Mediterranean pines P. pinea , P. halepensis , P. pinaster and P. brutia from the eastern Mediterranean.

Taxonomy

Pinus canariensis was first described in 1825 by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, who attributed the name to Christen Smith. [2] [5] It has been placed in subsection Pinaster of subgenus Pinus, section Pinus. The other species in the subsection are mainly Mediterranean in distribution, with one species ( P. roxburghii ) from the Himalayas. [6]

Distribution and habitat

The species is native and endemic to the outer Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife, El Hierro and La Palma). [3] It is a subtropical pine and does not tolerate low temperatures or hard frost, surviving temperatures down to about −6 to −10 °C (21 to 14 °F). Within its natural area, it grows under extremely variable rainfall regimes, from less than 300 millimetres (12 in) to several thousands, mostly due to differences in mist-capturing by the foliage. Under warm conditions, this is one of the most drought-tolerant pines, living even with less than 200 mm (8 in) of rainfall per year.

The native range has been somewhat reduced due to over-cutting so that only the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria still have large forests, with extensive replanting of deforested areas since 1940. [7] Really big trees are rare due to past over-cutting. [1] It is the tallest tree in the Canary Islands, with the tallest specimen, 'Pino de las Dos Pernadas' near Vilaflor on Tenerife, being 56.7 m tall. [8]

Fossil record

Fossils of Pinus canariensis have been described from the fossil flora of Kızılcahamam district in Turkey which is of early Pliocene age. [9] Fossil cones including seeds of Pinus canariensis are known from the late Miocene of Abkhazia, from the Vienna Basin and the Canary Islands. Numerous cone casts including seeds of Pinus canariensis from the early Pleistocene, were recovered on Kallithea, Rhodes. [10]

Ecology

This pine is one of the most fire-resistant conifers in the world, due to several beneficial adaptations. [11] [12] [13] In particular, Pinus canariensis is one of the few pine species that can epicormically resprout after losing its needles in a fire. [14]

Uses

The tree's long needles make a significant contribution to the islands' water supply, trapping large amounts of cloud droplets as fog drip. This comes from the moist air coming off the Atlantic with the prevailing north eastern wind (locally called "alisios" or "tiempo norte"); the fog drip measured under trees can be up to 20 times the rainfall measured in the open away from trees at the same site. The condensation after dropping to the ground is quickly absorbed by the soil, and percolates down to the underground aquifers. [15]

The aromatic wood, especially the heartwood, is among the finest of pine woods, being hard, strong and durable. [16] The wood of the Canary island pine is now becoming popular as a tonewood for soundboards for guitars and other string instruments.

Pinus canariensis is a popular ornamental tree in warmer climates, such as in private gardens, public landscapes, and as street trees. In mainland Spain, South Africa, Sicily, Australia, and California, it has become a naturalised species from original landscape uses.

In culture

It is the vegetable symbol of the island of La Palma. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canary Islands</span> Spanish archipelago and region in the Atlantic Ocean

The Canary Islands, also known informally as the Canaries, are a Spanish region, autonomous community and archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are 100 kilometres west of Morocco and the Western Sahara. They are the southernmost of the autonomous communities of Spain. The islands have a population of 2.2 million people and are the most populous special territory of the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tenerife blue chaffinch</span> Species of bird

The Tenerife blue chaffinch is a species of passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is endemic to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. This bird is the natural symbol of this island, together with the Canary Islands dragon tree.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gran Canaria</span> Spanish island in the North Atlantic

Gran Canaria, also Grand Canary Island, is the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the Atlantic coast of Northwest Africa and is part of Spain. As of 2023 the island had a population of 862,893 that constitutes approximately 40% of the population of the archipelago. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island, is the biggest city of the Canary Islands and the ninth of Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Palma</span> Canary Island

La Palma, also known as La isla bonita and historically San Miguel de La Palma, is the most northwesterly island of the Canary Islands, Spain, which is a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago in Macaronesia in the North Atlantic Ocean. La Palma has an area of 708.32 square kilometres (273.48 sq mi) making it the fifth largest of the eight main Canary Islands. The total population at the start of 2023 was 84,338, of which 15,522 lived in the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma and 20,375 in Los Llanos de Aridane. Its highest mountain is the Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,426 metres (7,959 ft), being second among the peaks of the Canaries after the Teide massif on Tenerife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lanzarote</span> Canary Island

Lanzarote is a Spanish island, the easternmost of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 125 kilometres off the north coast of Africa and 1,000 kilometres from the Iberian Peninsula. Covering 845.94 square kilometres, Lanzarote is the fourth-largest of the islands in the archipelago. With 152,289 inhabitants at the start of 2019, it is the third most populous Canary Island, after Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Located in the centre-west of the island is Timanfaya National Park, one of its main attractions. The island was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993. The island's capital is Arrecife, which lies on the eastern coastline. It is the smaller main island of the Province of Las Palmas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone pine</span> Species of pine tree

The stone pine, botanical name Pinus pinea, also known as the Italian stone pine, Mediterranean stone pine, umbrella pine and parasol pine, is a tree from the pine family (Pinaceae). The tree is native to the Mediterranean region, occurring in Southern Europe and the Levant. The species was introduced into North Africa millennia ago, and is also naturalized in the Canary Islands, South Africa and New South Wales.

<i>Pinus brutia</i> Species of conifer

Pinus brutia, commonly known as the Turkish pine and Calabrian pine, is a species of pine native to the eastern Mediterranean region. The bulk of its range is in Turkey, but certain varieties are naturalized as far east as Afghanistan. It is also known as East Mediterranean pine, Afghan pine, and Brutia pine. The name "Calabrian pine" comes from an introduced grove in the Calabria region of southern Italy; historically this region was called Bruttium, which is likely where the specific epithet "brutia" comes from. Pinus brutia bears many similarities with other, closely related species such as Pinus halepensis and Pinus canariensis. Turkish pine forms a species complex with the former.

<i>Pinus pinaster</i> Species of plant

Pinus pinaster, the maritime pine or cluster pine, is a pine native to the south Atlantic Europe region and parts of the western Mediterranean. It is a hard, fast growing pine bearing small seeds with large wings.

<i>Pinus roxburghii</i> Species of conifer

Pinus roxburghii, commonly known as chir pine or longleaf Indian pine, is a species of pine tree native to the Himalayas. It was named after William Roxburgh.

<i>Arbutus canariensis</i> Species of flowering plants in the heather family Ericaceae

Arbutus canariensis, known in Spanish as madroño canario, is a species of shrub or tree in the heath family. It is endemic to the Canary Islands of Spain, specifically Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, and La Palma. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<i>Persea indica</i> Species of tree

Persea indica is a large, evergreen tree in the laurel family (Lauraceae), native to humid uplands on Madeira and the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic. It belongs to the genus Persea, a group of evergreen trees including the avocado. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<i>Pterocarya fraxinifolia</i> Species of wingnut tree

Pterocarya fraxinifolia is a species of tree in the Juglandaceae family. It is commonly known as the Caucasian wingnut or Caucasian walnut. It is native to the Caucasian region Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. It was introduced to France in 1784, and to Great Britain after 1800.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pilancones</span> Natural park in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain

Pilancones Natural Park is located in San Bartolomé de Tirajana municipality on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. Its area is 5794.4 ha. It adjoins Roque Nublo country park to the north, and Fataga protected area to the east. The park plays an important role in soil protection and the replenishment of an aquifer, along which there are several ravines running southward which are of geomorphological interest and landscape value. The pine forests on hilltops are a well-preserved habitat with abundant bird life. The park also harbours several varieties of cactus and spurge, and a number of aquatic habitats. The park takes its name from natural pools, formerly known locally as pilancones, which remain after the runoff of water. Throughout the area there are threatened animal and plant species, and features of scientific interest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gran Canaria blue chaffinch</span> Species of bird

The Gran Canaria blue chaffinch is a species of passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is endemic to Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guayadeque ravine</span>

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This fossil flora in Turkey stems from at least six Pliocene deposits in Güvem and Beşkonak villages, 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Ankara, 22 kilometres (14 mi) north of Kızılcahamam and 125 kilometres (78 mi) south of the Black Sea coast. They are 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level, extending 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north-south and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) east-west. Between six and seven million years ago, a fresh water lake existed there in a forested area with mostly broad leaved deciduous tree species, dominated by sequoia and oak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canary Islands dry woodlands and forests</span> Ecoregion in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands dry woodlands and forests is a Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub ecoregion in the Canary Islands. It encompasses the western group of the Canary Islands – La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria – in the Atlantic Ocean. These volcanic islands are an autonomous community of Spain, and lie southwest of the Spanish mainland and west of the North African coast.

References

  1. 1 2 Thomas, P. (2017). "Pinus canariensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T39603A84061236. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T39603A84061236.en . Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  2. 1 2 "Pinus canariensis C.Sm. ex DC.". The International Plant Names Index . Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  3. 1 2 3 4 C.A.B. International (4 April 2002). Pines of Silvicultural Importance: Compiled from the Forestry Compendium, CAB International. CABI. p. 35. ISBN   978-0-85199-539-7.
  4. ↑ "The thickest, tallest, and oldest Canary Island Pines (Pinus canariensis)". Monumental Trees. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  5. ↑ "Pinus canariensis C. Sm. ex DC.". Tropicos . Missouri Botanical Garden . Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  6. ↑ Gernandt, D. S.; López, G. G.; García, S. O.; Liston, A. (2005). "Phylogeny and classification of Pinus". Taxon. 54 (1): 29–42. doi:10.2307/25065300. JSTOR   25065300.
  7. ↑ Ashmole, Myrtle; Ashmole, Philip (1989). Natural History Excursions in Tenerife. Peebles, Scotland: Kidston Mill Press. p. 36. ISBN   0-9514544-0-4.
  8. ↑ "Canary Island Pine 'Pino de las Dos Pernadas' along the Ctra General Vilaflor, Vilaflor, Canary Islands, Spain". Monumental Trees. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
  9. ↑ Kasaplıgil, Baki (1977). "Ankara, Kızılcahamam yakınındaki Güvem köyü civarında bulunan son tersiyer kozalaklı-yeşil yapraklı ormanı" [A Late-Tertiary Conifer-Hardwood Forest From the Vicinity of Güvem Village, Near Kızılcahamam, Ankara](PDF). Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration (in Turkish and English). 88. Ankara: General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration: 94–102.
  10. ↑ Fossil seed cones of Pinus L. (Sect. Pinus, subsect. Pinaster LOUDON, Sula group) from the late Neogene and early Pleistocene of Europe, Palaeontographica, Abteilung B: Palaeobotany, Palaeophytology Article Vol. 291, Issues 1–6: 131–164, September 2014 E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, Germany - DOI:10.1127/palb/291/1994/131 by Zlatko Kvacek, Vasilis Teodoridi, Petr Mazouch and Paul Roiron
  11. ↑ "The most fire-resistant pine in the world • Forest Monitor". Forest Monitor. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  12. ↑ Starexcursions; Starexcursions (26 December 2016). "The canary island pine resists fire: how is it possible?". StarExcursions. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  13. ↑ Domingo M. Molina-Terrén; Danny L. Fry; Federico F. Grillo; Adrián Cardil; Scott L. Stephens (2016). "Fire history and management of Pinus canariensis forests on the western Canary Islands Archipelago, Spain" (PDF). Forest Ecology and Management. 384: 184–192.
  14. ↑ Clarke, P. J.; Lawes, M. J.; Midgley, J. J.; Lamont, B. B.; Ojeda, F.; Burrows, G. E.; Enright, N. J.; Knox, K. J. E. (January 2013). "Resprouting as a key functional trait: how buds, protection and resources drive persistence after fire". New Phytologist. 197 (1): 19–35. doi: 10.1111/nph.12001 . ISSN   0028-646X. PMID   23110592.
  15. ↑ Ashmole, Myrtle; Ashmole, Philip (1989). Natural History Excursions in Tenerife. Peebles, Scotland: Kidston Mill Press. p. 21–23. ISBN   0-9514544-0-4.
  16. ↑ Dallimore, William; Jackson, Albert Bruce (1966). A handbook of Coniferae, including Ginkgoaceae (4 ed.). London: Edward Arnold. pp. 387, 411.
  17. ↑ Símbolos de la naturaleza para las Islas Canarias [Natural Symbols for the Canary Islands] (Ley 7/1991) (in Spanish). Vol. 151. 30 April 1991. pp. 20946–20497 – via BOE.
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