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Description
Pinus Canariensis, commonly known as the Canary Island Pine, is a large and evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 60 meters in height. It is native to the Canary Islands and is widely planted in many parts of the world for its ornamental value and as a timber tree. The tree has a straight trunk and a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded as it ages. The bark is thick and reddish-brown, and the needles are long and slender, measuring up to 30 cm in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Pinus |
Appearance
The Pinus Canariensis is a large and majestic tree with a broad, conical crown that becomes more rounded as it ages. The needles are long and slender, measuring up to 30 cm in length, and are arranged in bundles of three. The cones are large, measuring up to 30 cm in length, and are a reddish-brown color. The bark of the tree is thick and reddish-brown, and is deeply furrowed as the tree ages. The tree has a straight trunk that is free of branches for a considerable height.
Care Guide
Water: The Pinus Canariensis requires moderate watering, especially during the first few years of growth. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained, as the tree does not tolerate standing water.Fertilization: The tree requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but will not grow as vigorously in shady areas.Hardiness Zones: The Pinus Canariensis is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pinus Canariensis is generally a hardy tree that is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by a few common pests and diseases, including:Pine Shoot Beetle: This beetle can cause damage to the new shoots of the tree, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor.Pine Wilt: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the tree’s vascular system, leading to wilting and eventual death of the tree.Tip Blight: This fungal disease can cause dieback of the new shoots of the tree, leading to reduced growth and vigor.
Habitat
The Pinus Canariensis is native to the Canary Islands, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, mountain slopes, and forested valleys. The tree prefers well-drained soils and full sun, and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Pinus Canariensis a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Pinus Canariensis is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1 meter per year under optimal conditions.Q: Can the Pinus Canariensis be grown in containers?
A: While the tree can be grown in containers, it requires a large container and frequent watering to thrive.Q: Can the Pinus Canariensis be used as a timber tree?
A: Yes, the Pinus Canariensis is widely used as a timber tree due to its strong and durable wood.Q: Is the Pinus Canariensis a drought-tolerant tree?
A: While the tree can tolerate some drought, it requires moderate watering to maintain its health and vigor.
Related Plants
Other related plants in the Pinus genus include:
- Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine)
- Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine)
- Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine)
- Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)
References
- “Pinus canariensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b550.
- “Pinus canariensis.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262182-1.
- “Pinus canariensis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8612/Pinus-canariensis/Details.
