Pine family, Pinaceae
Origin: the Himalayan region
Habitat in the original area: mountain forests, alpine forests
Habitus: A tall coniferous tree growing to the height of 30–50 metres. It grows quickly and is resistant to White pine blister rust. Its crown is conical in shape. The bark is dark grey and smooth.
Leaf: Blue-green needles grow in bundles of five. They are 10–18 centimetres long and hang down.
Bloom, fruit: The cones hang on strong bent stalks. They are strikingly shiny on the surface because they are strongly resinous. Winged seeds are hidden inside the cones.
Interesting fact: In its homeland, it forms native forests together with the Himalayan cedar, but it is also an economically important tree species. It is crossed with other five-needle pines such as the Weymouth Pine (P. strobus).
