Pinus pinea (Italian Stone pine)

The beautiful Pinus pinea (Italian Stone pine) evergreen Italian stone pine has a thick, towering canopy that mimics an umbrella. As a result, it is also known as the "umbrella pine." These pine trees love warm, dry conditions and are endemic to southern Europe and Turkey. Adult leaves (needles) are borne in fascicles of two, are medium-green in colour, and have a persistent sheath. They are preserved on the tree for 2 to 4 years. Individual needles are large and thick, with serrated edges and fine stomata lines on both sides. Branches are lengthy and rise at 30°-60° angles above horizontal, with upswept branch tips. The bark is thick, plated, deeply fissured, red-brown to orange in hue, and the plates have blackish edges.

The Italian Stone pine is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along streets, as it has a beautiful, symmetrical shape and provides dense shade. It is also valued for its timber, which is used for furniture, construction, and as fuelwood. Additionally, the tree plays an important ecological role in the Mediterranean ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife.