Japanese White-pine
Pinus parviflora 'Tempelhof'
Pine familiy (Pinaceae)
Popular with nutcrackers
In Korea and Japan this pine species can reach 25 meters high in the wild, yet in our part of the world it usually reaches no higher than 6 meters. Often slow-growing individuals from higher mountain slopes are selected to become the bonsai tree, Pinus parviflora 'bonsai'
The blue-green needles are highly twisted (such as with the Scots pine) but are borne in bundles of five at the end of the twigs, from whence the tree gets its brush-like top. Seeds of most pines each have a wing so that they can be dispersed by the wind but the Japanese white pine seed has no wings. Instead for dispersal they are dependent on a bird: the spotted nutcracker.
The resin extracted from these conifers contains substances that have antiseptic properties and provides beneficial effects for, amongst other things, the respiratory system.
Themes
This is 'the' bonsai tree - often depicted in Asian prints.
The seeds of this pine are known to be dispersed by the Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes).
The 10 mm long, oil-rich seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and have a resinous flavour. A vanilla-like flavouring is obtained as a by-product of resins released by the pulpwood.
The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is an antiseptic and diuretic, it can produce redness of the skin by dilating blood capillaries and can be used to treat parasitic worms. It is also a remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and for a variety of skin complaints.
Japanese white pine has little value as a timber tree, but great value as an ornamental. Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines and obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood. Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin and has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc. and for making varnish, medicinal applications etc. Rosin is the substance left after turpentine has been removed and is used by violinists on their bows. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing walls and roofs or as a wood preservative etc.
A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles.
In Japan this species has been in cultivation in temple grounds for many centuries.
Details
Description: | Conifer, main stem on average less than 6 m |
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Distributions: | Only found in cultivation. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
Hardiness: | -4 - 5 f (hardy - very cold winter) |
Flowering period: | Mei |
Flower color: | Yellow, purple |
Notes on flowers: | Male cones purple ripening to yellow; female cone yellow ripening to purple |
Fruit color: | Brown |
Notes on fruits: | Green to brown cone |