Pine family, Pinaceae
Origin: Korea
Habitat in the original area: mountains at the altitude from 1,000 to 1,800 metres above sea level
Habitus: A smaller tree growing to the maximum height of 18 metres. The crown is densely branched and forms a cone shape. The bark is grey and smooth with resinous blisters when young. It becomes deeply furrowed when old. The needles densely cover the twig.
List: The needles are up to 2 centimetres long, widening towards the top. The tip is usually notched or rounded. The upper side is shiny and deep green. The lower side is covered by 2 white stripes, which can merge.
Bloom, fruit: Male cones are 1 centimetre long, ovoid and yellow-green-purple. Female cones are up to 7 centimetres long, blue-grey, and then dark purple when ripe (from October to November). Supporting scales protrude from the cones. The seeds are ovoid with a brownish-red wing.
Interesting fact: Due to its small size and regular branching, it is often used in ornamental gardening. It produces cones quite early – already when 1 metre tall.
