Nature Journal

The Pine Tree

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright. For many, Christmas would not be complete without the tradition of decorating a pine tree. Who knew that 120 species of resinous trees around the world? Pine trees go back to long, long ago (dinosaur times) starting in North America, over 90 million years ago. The oldest known living pine, the Bristlecone Pine, is estimated to be over 4600 years old, located on a dry cliff in California’s National Forest.

The pine tree grows abundantly in dry, lean soils that have cold temperatures with high altitudes. These trees can be found in the Northern Hemisphere, Artic Circle, South Africa, Europe and Asia being a staple element in early settlement history.

They are evergreen and cone bearing trees, and they come in various shapes and sizes. Pine colors range from green to blue and bundle together to create needles, both sharp and pointy yet soft if you follow the direction of the needles.

However, depending on the size and species of the tree, the number of needles can include two to eight needles per leaf. Similarly, pine cones, too, can range in size starting as small as a half of an inch increasing to over twelve inches. The tallest pine tree, the Longleaf pine, can grow 130 feet, comparing to its small, shrubby counterpart, the Mugo pine.

The pine tree has been able to evolve and adapt overtime, becoming a central source of survival for use for many survivors. Today, pine trees are the leading source for paper, flooring and building materials in the world. Additionally, the sap from pine trees can be collected and boiled ross pollinate, allowing pine species to evolve and adapt over time. The sap from pine trees can be transformed into medicine and various tea across the word.

Today, specifically during Christmas, it is clear that pine trees are more decorative useful.

Henry David Thoreau once said, “Strange that so few come to the woods to see how the pine tree lives and grows and spires, lifting its evergreen arms to the light…to see its perfect success.” We have the pine tree to thank for many of our modern items and luxuries we use each day. Next time I see pine trees, I will be sure to thank them for all that they bring to my life each day.

all of this information was found from: https://www.gardenguides.com/129648-history-pine-trees.html (these pictures was not taken by me)