Species: Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.

(Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.)
-> Genus: Pinus -> Family: Pinaceae -> Group: Gymnosperms

Habitus

  • tree 10 – 20 (30) m tall, conical crown – densely and deeply branched
  • the branches are in whorls and stand almost vertically from the trunk
  • bark dark gray, rectangularly split, the edges stand out from the trunk

Leaves (assimilation organs)

  • needle-like assimilation organs 5 – 7 x 1 mm in size
  • they grow in groups of 5 on brachyblasts !, they are densely grouped in a brush-like manner at the end of the branches
  • triangular in cross-section, with distinct silvery bands of vents on the inner sides
  • last for 3-4 years

Flowers

  • monoecious woody plant, flowers of different sexes - cone-shaped
  • male (♂) cones are egg-shaped, yellow (or purple)
  • female (♀) cones are cylindrical, pinkish green on 4-6 mm long stalks, grow 2-4 in whorls at the end of this year's shoot

Fruits – seeds

  • the fruit is a cone 40-90 x 30-40 mm large, ovoid, grayish brown, resinous
  • seed scales are sparsely grouped !, relatively thick, woody
  • the label is diamond-shaped, the umbilicus is not very clear - slightly bent inwards
  • the pine cone opens wide after ripening and remains on the tree for 5-7 years

Extension

  • originally it is widespread on the Kuril Islands, in Japan on the islands of Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido at altitudes from 1,300 to 2,500 m above sea level.
  • it was introduced to Europe in 1846

Ecology

  • is semi-shade-loving, undemanding to the content of nutrients in the soil
  • relatively frost-resistant in Slovak conditions
  • grows slowly

Significance

  • decorative woody plant with habit, needles and fruits
  • creates multiple growth forms