Common Name(s): Canary Island Pine

Synonym(s):

Family: Pinaceae

Native To: Canary Islands

Native Habitat: Semi-arid regions in rocky or sandy soils

Growth Habit: Tall, conical evergreen pine

Flowering: Non-showy flowers in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: The typical height of this species is 80 to 90 feet with a spread of 20 to 35 feet. The bark is extremely thick, reddish, and furrowed. The needles of the P. canariensis are bright green to yellow green, slender, about 1 mm thick, and 3-6 cm long in fascicles of three. The adult needles are retained for 1.5 to 3 years. The glossy chestnut brown cones arise in the spring from female flowers found on previous year's shoots. The cones then mature over the year and drop in the following spring.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: The species name and common name refers to the trees native region of the Canary Islands. This extremely fast growing species is of vital importance to that region, but has become an active invader in native habitat areas of Australia and South America where it was cultivated.

Ethnobotany: This fast growing species is used mainly as an ornamental, for shade, or as a windbreak. The tree is highly important in the Canary Island region where it aids in irrigation. The annual rainfall in that region is 50 cm but increases to 200 cm with fog drip from the tree. This increase in precipitation supplies the majority of irrigation water, which is vital for the island’s economy. The fallen dead leaves of the pine are also used in that region as packaging for the exportation of bananas.

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