The Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) is a tree species endemic to the Canary Islands and one of the archipelago's most notable conifers, both for its ecological value and for its historical and cultural significance. This species has evolved to adapt to the islands' unique conditions, developing exceptional characteristics that have allowed it to thrive. sobrevivir in different environments and resist adversity such as forest fires.
Overview of the Canary Island Pine
This tree can reach up to 60 meters high in long-lived specimens, although it is usually found between 15 and 25 meters, with trunk diameters that sometimes exceed 2 meters. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, protected by a thick, cracked and reddish-brown bark, which over time becomes even more robust and cracked, helping the extreme resistance of the tree against fires.
In young specimens, the shape is pyramidal, while in adults the crown becomes parasolated and more openThe root system is highly developed: a powerful main root is accompanied by extensive secondary roots, allowing it to take root in diverse soils, from volcanic to rocky.
Leaves (needles) and leaf structure
The leaves The needles of the Canary Island pine, called needles, are long (between 20 and 30 cm), thin, flexible and very sharp. They are grouped in fascicles of three, a distinctive feature compared to other Iberian species. The young needles are shorter and light blue, while the adult ones have a pale shade. translucent green, remaining on the tree for two years before falling off. These leaves appear grouped at the ends of the twigs and are essential for both the capture of ambient humidity as for the photosynthetic efficiency of the species.
Flowers, pine cones and seeds
The Canary Island pine is a species monoecious: produces both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers, yellow in color, are grouped in clusters at the end of the branches, while the female flowers are solitary or appear in pairs and are distributed in the upper parts of the tree. flowering It usually occurs in early spring, culminating in the formation of cones between 10 and 20 cm long, shiny brown in color and oriented downwards.
The pineapples, after a maturation that extends over two years, release pinions with a blackish cover and a single membranous wing, facilitating dispersal by the wind. The phenomenon of serotiniaSome pine cones can remain closed for years and only open after exposure to high temperatures, such as those caused by fires, allowing for natural forest regeneration.
Natural habitat of the Canary Island pine
The Canary Island pine forms the best-preserved forests in the Canary Islands, mainly found on the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria and El Hierro. It adapts to a wide range of volcanic substrates (rhyolites, trachytes, basalts) and survives in both dry and temperate climates, and even in areas with extreme temperatures. However, if you would like to learn more about similar species, you can visit the complete guide to pines and firs to learn more about its care and characteristics. It predominantly lives in altitudes between 700 and 2.100 meters, although it can be found from 400 to 2.300 meters, forming monospecific and mixed forests with species such as codesos, escobones, rockroses or the monteverde itself.
The Canary Island pine forests act as a habitat for endemic birds such as the blue finch and are essential in the water retention and capture thanks to its needles, which trap the fine mist droplets driven by the trade winds, improving soil hydration.
Fire resistance and ecological regeneration
The Canary Island pine stands out for its extraordinary fire resistance, due mainly to its thick bark, its ability to sprout from both its branches and the base or stump and the aforementioned serotiny of its pine cones. These adaptations make it one of the conifers best adapted to environments where fires are part of the ecosystemRegeneration after the fire is rapid and promotes the continuity of the pine forests, protecting them from erosion and sustaining the local hydrological cycle.
The presence of transverse parenchyma In the trunk it allows tissue regeneration even after partial destruction by fire, a rare characteristic in conifers and decisive in the survival of the species.
Cultivation and propagation of the Canary Island pine
The Canary Island pine is valued not only in the Canary Islands but also internationally as an ornamental and reforestation species. Tolerates poor and dry soils, even on rocky slopes, but it does not tolerate waterlogged or calcareous soils. It propagates by seed, which can be stored for long periods under refrigeration. Before sowing, cold stratification is advisable to stimulate germination. For more information, we recommend consulting the information about the Canary Island cedar.
- Requires abundant light and solar exposition to achieve its maximum development.
- Its deep root system makes it ideal for soil fixation on slopes and eroded areas.
- In the nursery, seedlings must be protected from severe frost and pests such as the pine processionary caterpillar, which can be controlled using biological products.
Traditional uses and socioeconomic value
The Canary Island pine has been, since Aboriginal times, an economic and cultural pillar of the Canary Islands. The white wood It was used in carpentry, the tea (resinous and incorruptible wood) was reserved for high-quality works such as beams, balconies, doors and coffered ceilings. The dried leaves, known as pine needle, served as bedding for livestock and agricultural fertilizer, providing nutrients to crops such as banana trees.
In addition, obtaining resin It allowed for industrial uses such as the manufacture of varnishes, paints, tar, and pitch for caulking ships and sealing water channels. These practices, along with charcoal making and flax extraction, played a central role in the island's economy for centuries. However, overexploitation led to significant deforestation, so today extraction is regulated and controlled.
Medicinal properties and popular applications
Traditionally, different parts of the Canary Island pine have been used in traditional island medicine: knowing pests and forest management that protect the species. Once again, the use of infusions of needles and buds to relieve colds, bronchitis, and respiratory problems has been passed down through generations.
- Infusions of needles and buds to relieve colds, bronchitis and respiratory problems.
- Resin combined with lemon juice for the treatment of cysts and as a poultice for skin infections.
- External applications of tar against dermatological inflammations.
- Tea water was used to treat periodontal disease and oral inflammation.
- The high nutritional value of pine nuts is recognized for combating weakness and fatigue.
However, many of these applications are the result of traditional knowledge and should not replace current professional medical advice. Regulations impact species conservation and limit the collection of wild specimens.
Curiosities and monumental specimens
Some specimens of Canary Island pine present on the islands stand out as true living monumentsIn Vilaflor (Tenerife), you'll find the Pino Gordo, which has the largest trunk circumference, and the Pino Dos Pernadas, the tallest. In Gran Canaria, the Pilancones Pine and the Cassandra Pine stand out, and in La Palma, the famous Pino de la Virgen. These living relics can be well over 800 years old, representing natural and cultural milestones with deep local roots.
Longevity, ecological adaptation and its cultural values make the canary pine a kind of incalculable heritage value, which has become the official plant symbol of the island of La Palma.
Etymology, taxonomy and distribution
Name Pinus comes from Latin and was used to designate different pines, while canariensis refers to its geographical location in the Canary Islands. It belongs to the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus, and is distributed mainly in the western islands of the archipelago. It also appears in repopulations outside the Canary Islands, such as in other Spanish regions, given its interest as an ornamental and forest tree resistant to drought and fire.
Additional educational resources and references
- Digital resource(s) in HTML5 With responsive web design and interactive options to categorize and learn about the Canary Island pine. You can learn more about its cultivation by reviewing our guide on Pine.
- Infographics visuals with descriptions of the species and its ecology.
- Acomola Format: Fun and educational activities about the Canary Island pine, using interactive cards to classify and sort related concepts.
- A3 and A4 PDF sheets with botanical illustrations and short texts on the Canary Island pine.
- Access to a multimedia library: videos, images, and documents on the Canary Islands flora.