Pinus radiata

Young pine ( Pinus radiata).

The Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) is a species of the genus of pine (Pinus ).

Occurrence and growth

The natural occurrence of Monterey pine is limited to a very small area around Monterey and Cambria in the coastal region of California. Presumably, the Monterey pine was pushed during a glacial climate falling from their former probably much larger area home in this coastal area, and here could barely escape the ultimate eradication. That you are the climatic and soil conditions in the area around Monterey not particularly, one concludes from the fact that this pine has a relatively normal rate of growth there. In forestry, commercial cultivation, especially in New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and other countries ( smaller stocks in Europe) it has, however, as the schnellwüchsigste all about 115 species of pine ever proven. At many of these "new " sites, the Montereykiefer also shows as undemanding compared to soil and summer moisture. Trees in New Zealand reached the age of 40 years, a height of 60 meters and increase in trunk cross -section of 20 to 30 mm per year. In Central Europe the Monterey pine, however, is not hardy enough.

Description

The Monterey pine is an evergreen tree which reaches in his home area and in colder zones stature heights of up to about 40 meters, at other locations still much higher. The crown is shiny green close, acts from a distance but black green. The approximately 10 cm long needles are close in three clusters; they are very thin and shiny green.

The cones are ovoid and slightly at the base clearly unbalanced and are usually in whorls of three - to five groups at the branch.

Use

• Due to its rapid growth, the Monterey pine was planted after fires in some forest areas of the Mediterranean region for rapid reforestation and faster than protection against erosion. Even in South Africa and Australia, it was used for afforestation in New Zealand for commercial timber production. In South Africa, however, the Monterey pine is now one of the plant species that are considered problematic. The Monterey pine penetrates not only in the fynbos, but also influences the water balance is negative. Therefore, programs such as the South African Working for Water aimed at the removal of this tree species, among other things.
• The Monterey pine forest cultivation yields in the four to five times the yield of wood against the commons jaw.
• It provides a good medium timber, which finds its main use for packaging (pallets, etc. ), paper and pulp.

Pictures

Forestry cultured Monterey pine in Australia.