Summary

Overview
Pinus literally translates to Pine. The only native species to the UK is the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and is widely distributed throughout the UK. Other introduced species are a lot less common.
There are over 120 species and they are the largest of all the conifers, they can grow up to 50m in height. (Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata))
All Pines either have bunches of either 2, 3, or 5 needles. If this is not the case then the tree belongs to one of the other genus' of trees that produce needles. (See related section below).
Easy to identify from there often straight growing trunk, fissured bark, pine needles and pine cones.
Traditionally used for ship masts, water wheels and water pipes. It is now still used widely for furniture, telegraph poles, fencing, construction, paper pulp, etc.

Bushcraft
A very useful tree for bushcraft, as with many Pines. It can be used for starting fires, firewood, shelter building, and tea can be made from the pines.

General Info

Gallery and Identification

Features common to majority of species:
Size - Species variation - 15m to 50m (Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) to Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata))
Bark - Often fissure and red/orange.
Leaves - Needles. Bunches of either 2, 3, or 5.
Reproductive Parts - Cones. More woody than in other genus' that produce cones. Large, and often hanging downwards.
Distribution - Several Pines can be found across the UK. Scots Pine being the most common and is found everywhere in the UK .
Surroundings - Often found grouped together. Ground often littered with dead pine needles. Soft and spongy.

Resources

• Firewood
• Tinder
• Timber
• Pine Pitch - Glue made from pine resin.

Skills

• Firelighting
• Candles

Food

• Needles - tea.

Related

Pinaceae Family

• Cedar (Cedrus)
• Fir (Abies)
• Larch (Larix)
• Spruce (Picea)