Pinus gerardiana

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Female cone of Pinus gerardiana

Pinus gerardiana, commonly known as the Chilgoza pine, is a species of pine native to the northwestern Himalayas in eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India. It is named after the British botanist Gerard who first described the species.

Description

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Cones and leaves

Pinus gerardiana is a medium-sized tree reaching 10–20 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is thick, rough, and scaly, with a grey-brown color. The leaves are needle-like, in bundles of three, and are 6–10 cm long.

The cones are ovoid, 10–18 cm long, and take about 24 months to mature. The seeds are large, 17–23 mm long, and are edible, known as chilgoza nuts. These seeds are an important source of food and income for local communities.

Habitat and Distribution

Pinus gerardiana is found in dry temperate forests at altitudes of 1800–3350 meters. It grows in association with other conifers such as Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, and Abies pindrow. The species prefers well-drained soils and is adapted to cold, arid conditions.

Uses

The seeds of Pinus gerardiana, known as chilgoza nuts, are highly valued for their nutritional content and are a significant source of income for local populations. The wood is used for construction and fuel, although the tree is not primarily grown for timber due to its slow growth rate.

Conservation

Pinus gerardiana is considered a vulnerable species due to overharvesting of its seeds and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are focused on sustainable harvesting practices and habitat protection to ensure the survival of this species.

Related pages

• Pinus
• Himalayas
• Conifer