Korean pine
| Pinus koraiensis | |
|---|---|
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| Cultivated at Morton Arboretum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
| Subgenus: | Strobus |
| Section: | Pinus sect. Quinquefoliae |
| Subsection: | Pinus subsect. Cembrae |
| Species: | P. koraiensis |
| Binomial name | |
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Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. |
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Pinus koraiensis is a species of pine known commonly as the Korean pine. It is native to eastern Asia: Korea, northeastern China, Mongolia, the Temperate rainforests of the Russian Far East, and central Japan. In the north of its range, it grows at moderate altitudes, typically 600 metres (2,000 ft) to 900 metres (3,000 ft), whereas further south, it is a mountain tree, growing at 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) to 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) altitude in Japan. Other common names include Chinese pinenut.
It is a member of the white pine group, Pinus, subgenus Strobus. In its native habitat and growing conditions it can reach 100 feet (30 m) in height. Cultivated specimens may grow up to 50 feet (15 m) tall. It is pyramidal in shape, younger specimens with ascending branches and older trees with more horizontal branches that reach ground level. The gray or brownish bark flakes off to reveal reddish inner bark. Its branches are lined with bundles of five blue-green needles each up to 4.5 inches (11 cm) and bear brown cones up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
The nuts of this tree are edible and sold commercially. It is the most common taxon sold as pine nuts in markets throughout Europe and the United States. The nut oil contains 11.5% of the unusual fatty acid pinolenic acid (cis–5–cis–9–cis–12 octadecatrienoic acid). The oil is used to make lubricants and soap. The tree is also a source of turpentine resin and tannin.
The Korean pine is used as an ornamental tree. It is tolerant of several soil types and thrives in urban settings. It is adapted to climates with very cold winters. There are several cultivars, including the blue-tinged 'Glauca' and 'Silveray' and the wide-bodied 'Winton'.
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Wikipedia