Korean pine

Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) is a species of pine native to eastern Asia, including Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia, the Temperate rainforests of the Russian Far East, and central Japan. In the north of its range, it grows at moderate elevations, typically 600–900 metres, whereas further south and east, it is a mountain tree, growing at 2,000–2,600 m altitude in Japan. Other common names include Korean nut pine and Chinese pinenut.

Description

The Korean Pine is a large evergreen tree, reaching 20–45 m in height and with a trunk diameter of up to 2 m. It is a member of the white pine group, Pinus section Strobus, and like all members of that group, the leaves ('needles') are in fascicles (bundles) of five, with a deciduous sheath. They are 7–12 cm long. Korean Pine cones are 8–17 cm long, green or purple before maturity; ripening brown about 18 months after pollination. The seeds, known as pine nuts, are 14–18 mm long and 6–8 mm broad, with a vestigial wing 1–2 mm long, they are dispersed by Spotted Nutcrackers.

Uses

Korean Pine is an important economic tree in eastern Asia, where it is harvested for its edible pine nuts. The nuts are extensively harvested and sold as Pinus koraiensis nuts; they are an important ingredient in some forms of Chinese cooking. It is also planted as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. The wood is used for general construction and as a fuel.

Conservation

The Korean Pine is threatened by over-harvesting for its nuts and for its timber throughout much of its range. In addition, habitat loss due to deforestation is a major concern. Conservation efforts are underway, including the establishment of protected areas and restrictions on harvesting.

See also

• List of pines by region
• Pine nut
• Pinus sibirica