Pinus pinea

A large, evergreen tree that originates from the Middle East, including Israel. The tree’s canopy is round and become spreading and oval in adulthood. The crown is handsome and symmetrical. It is a prominent shade tree that provides shade in medium to heavy abundance. The tree’s leaves are coniferous, a fresh green and very fragrant. The trunk is thick and decoratively grooved, and it tends to split into two trunks naturally at a height of 2 meters. The tree’s fruit is a broad and open conifer cone with edible seeds (pine nuts). The cone opens in response to heat. Interestingly, humans have been eating this tree’s fruit for half a million years. More than 6,000 years ago, humans began growing it intensively to enjoy and trade in pine nuts, which drastically increased its presence in the world. Today, the tree is primarily identified with the city of Rome, where it was intensively planted during the empire. It can withstand all types of soil in Israel except for saline, and it is suitable for planting on the second coastal line. It is thought to be durable against Pinus halepensis pests and pine processionaries. It is important to note that the tree’s roots interfere with the growth of plants beneath it, especially grass. This situation can be improved by raising the canopy to allow sunlight to reach the area. The tree is very sensitive to frost in its youth, but in its adulthood it is more resistant to all weather conditions found in Israel. This is very popular and attractive tree in Israel for planting in parks due to its symmetrical shape.