Pinus hwangshanensis

Pinus hwangshanensis, or Huangshan pine, is a species of pine endemic to the mountains of eastern China; it is named after the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui, from where it was first described.

Description

Pinus hwangshanensis is an evergreen tree reaching Template:Convert in height, with a very broad, flat-topped crown of long, level branches. The bark is thick, grayish, and scaly plated. The leaves are needle-like, dark green, 2 per fascicle, Template:Convert long and Template:Convert wide, the persistent fascicle sheath Template:Convert long. The cones are broad squat ovoid, Template:Convert long, yellow-brown, opening when mature in late winter to 5–7 cm broad. The seeds are winged, Template:Convert long with a 1.5–2.5 cm wing. Pollination occurs in mid-spring, with the cones maturing 18–20 months after.

It is closely related to Japanese black pine (P. thunbergii), differing from it in the slenderer leaves, brown (not white) buds and broader cones.

Distribution and habitat

Huangshan pines are endemic to the mountains of eastern China, in the provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang.

They typically grow at moderate to high altitudes on steep, rocky crags, and are a major vegetation component in the landscapes of eastern China. Many specimens are venerated for their unique rugged shapes and are frequently portrayed in traditional Chinese paintings.

External links

• Gymnosperm Database: Pinus hwangshanensis
• Huangshan pine on Huang Shan (photos)